Reynolds (D) won’t seek third term on Alabama school board
Alabama Board of Education member Wayne Reynolds says he’ll step aside when his term ends in 2027.
“I have decided to not seek reelection,” Reynolds announced during Thursday’s board meeting in Montgomery.
“It’s been my pleasure to be 50-plus years in education, but I think I need to let my district know so those interested in this position will have time to decide.”
Reynolds represents District 8, covering Madison, Limestone, Jackson and DeKalb counties in north Alabama.
First elected in 2018, the former teacher, principal and superintendent won his general election by a 2-to-1 margin. In 2022, he fended off a Republican primary challenger with 59% of the vote and faced no Democratic opponent.
Republican Emily Jones, who founded the Madison County chapter of Moms for Liberty, is the only candidate who has announced she is running in District 8 in the 2026 election.
Reynolds has been a consistent voice for higher standards. He was one of three ‘no’ votes when the board lowered the third-grade reading benchmark in 2023 – and one of three who successfully pushed it back up in 2024.
Elected vice president by fellow board members for the 2022-23 year, Reynolds often pressed for stronger school improvement efforts and teacher preparation.