HALEYVILLE - Two candidates are seeking the Haleyville Board of Education place 1 seat in the Tuesday, Aug. 4 school board election, and election officials are urging a high voter turnout in sight of the election’s key role in the future of Haleyville City Schools.
Beth McAlpine, the incumbent to school board place 1, will be seeking her fourth term on the board, while opponent Bobby Crook is making his first run for the board.
Although the Haleyville Board of Education place 1 race will be the only item on the ballot Tuesday, Elections Manager Christy Harbin says this one office, as well as all offices, are very important to the future of Haleyville City Schools.
“School board (race) is always a low turnout,” Harbin emphasized. “It’s very important to the future of our children. You need to remember that the school board is a vital part of the Haleyville city education system.
It’s very important to come out and vote for these people who want to be a part of your children’s education,” Harbin further emphasized.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. only at the Neighborhood Facilities Building, Haleyville, as well as the Haleyville Senior Center, Pebble Community Center, Delmar Fire Station and Waldrop Church, Harbin explained.
“If you live inside the city limits, but in Marion County, you cannot vote,” Harbin pointed out. “You have to live in the school district in Winston County.
“Just because you can’t vote in a city election, you may be able to vote in the school board election if you are inside the Haleyville City School district,” Harbin added.
Although the deadline to vote absentee by mail has already passed, voters who will not be able to attend the polling sites on election day have until tomorrow, Thursday, July 30, to go to Haleyville City Hall between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and vote an absentee ballot in person, Harbin stressed.
The rule is that all absentee ballots must be cast in person no later than five days before an election, Harbin said.
Those going to the polls on election day should remember that no campaigning, campaign signs, greeting voters and handing out candidate material will be allowed within 30 feet of a polling site, Harbin reminded.
Those going to these five polling sites to vote need to have a valid driver’s license or valid form of photo identification to present to the polling clerk, who will verify the person is on the voter list for that particular polling site then present a ballot to the voter, Harbin explained.
McAlpine proud of board
accomplishments
the past
three terms
McAlpine, who began her first term on the board in 2009, will be completing three full terms.
“People should vote because it is our privilege. It is our right. Everyone involved in Haleyville, Alabama, whether they have children or grandchildren in the system or just friends, is impacted every day by this school,” McAlpine stated.
“This school represents our community, the best twe have to offer,” she added.“It educates our children that we send out into the community. It is who we are.”
McAlpine is seeking a fourth term on the board because she has thoroughly enjoyed different board members through the years and due to her love for HCS, she said.
“I have no agenda,” she said. “I have made decisions that were popular. I have made decisions that are unpopular. At the end of the day, I base my decisions on the people who are on the ground running every day - teachers, the (paraprofessionals), the bus drivers, the administrators,” McAlpine continued.
McAlpine added that every decision she makes is based on board policy and that is she open to talk to anyone individually about any needs or concerns regarding the school system.
Regarding accomplishments that have been made at HCS since McAlpine has been on the board, she said those accomplishments should be made and those responsible for those accomplishments should be recognized.
“My job as a board member is to listen to parents, teachers, staff, students and community members, ask thoughtful questions, support policies that put students first and vote for what is in the best interest of Haleyville City Schools,” McAlpine said.
Crook states strong schools build strong communities
Crook, who is seeking his first term on the board of education, is a 1998 HHS graduate, adding that Haleyville has been home his entire life.
“I have spent years investing in the young people of our community through coaching, volunteer work and youth programs,” Crook stated.
“I’ve had the privilege of serving as president of Haleyville Dixie Youth Baseball for eight years, coaching youth basketball, baseball and flag football and working with children and youth through my church,” he further stated.
Crook and his wife, Lori ,have raised three children in the Haleyville school system, two already graduated and one currently a junior, Bobby continued
“I am running for the Haleyville City School Board because I believe strong schools help build a strong community,” Bobby said. “I care deeply about our students, our teachers and the future
See complete story in the Northwest Alabamian.
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