Emily Jones wins Alabama State Board of Education seat, pledges academic reforms
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Voters in and around Huntsville have selected a new representative for the State Board of Education.
Republican Emily Jones defeated Democrat Shatika Armstrong on Tuesday in the race for the Alabama State Board of Education’s District 8 seat, which includes Madison County.
Jones received 53.8% of the vote, or 123,654 votes, to Armstrong’s 46.2%, according to unofficial results with about 94% of votes counted Wednesday afternoon.
The race featured divergent views on public education.
Jones, a native of Alabama, describes herself as a champion of academic excellence, parental rights and transparent leadership in public schools. Her campaign points to Alabama’s ranking of 45th in education and says it is time to “raise the bar.”
She was a founding member and president of the local Moms for Liberty chapter. The organization posted the following message on its social media page:
Congratulations to Emily Jones, Madison County, Alabama Moms for Liberty Chapter Chair, on her victory in the race for Alabama State Board of Education, District 8!
Congratulations, Emily!
Jones says she wants audits of the state’s current academic standards and wants to ensure curricula meet community standards. She also says she would work to support teachers on student discipline issues and raise academic standards.
State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, R-Madison County, was among those who endorsed Jones. He said her work as an Alabama mother taking action to protect children positioned her to run, and he called her part of a shift toward more everyday Alabamians seeking office.
Armstrong, the Democratic nominee, said she would work to promote equal distribution of education resources and push for adequate pay and resources for teachers. She also said she would seek to improve access to mental health resources in schools and address staffing, transportation and broadband shortages in rural schools.
The State Board of Education sets policy for Alabama’s public K-12 schools, including academic standards and curriculum, and oversees the state Department of Education.