Alabama Education Study Commission

Authorities:

Ala. Government Manual. Sixth edition. Atlanta: Darby Printing Company, 1982.

Code of Ala., 1975, 16:6:1-16:6:6. Charlottesville: The Michie Company, 1977.

1969 May, the Legislature created the Ala. Education Study Commission to analyze and evaluate the State's education policies and programs and to make recommendations to the Legislature at each regular session for changes and improvements. The Commission was composed of eight members appointed by the Governor, one from each congressional district. Members served for eight years and received thirty dollars per diem and mileage expenses.

The Commission was authorized to elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among its members. Five members constituted a quorum. The Commission could act only by majority vote.

The Commission was authorized to contract for research, legal, consultant and professional services to conduct audits, surveys and other studies. Specificially, the Commission was responsible for: 1) analyzing and developing educational programs and policies; 2) studying the financial needs of the state for public education; 3) estimating revenue for education from existing sources and anticipating possible increases or decreases in revenue; 4) recommending ways to increase local support for primary and secondary schools in each county; and 5) estimating the requirements for capital outlay for school buildings and other facilities.

The Commission had the authority to summon and examine all school and college officials and local and State officials, and to demand that they produce their books, records, papers, documents, and memoranda for the Commission to study.

The Commission received appropriations from the Ala. Special Educational Trust Fund, and was authorized to accept gifts and bequests. (Acts of Ala., 1969, No. 15)

The Ala. Education Study Commission was disbanded by the Legislature effective 1982 Oct. 1. (Ala. Government Manual, p. 496)