UPDATED: Amendment 1 passage gives FCS BOE control of its Section 16 land
In the Nov. 5 general election, Statewide Amendment 1 passed to amend the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.
“I would like to thank the people of Franklin County for their overwhelming support of Statewide Amendment 1,” said Franklin County Schools superintendent Greg Hamilton. “This gives us the ability to manage our Section 16 land that we own outside of Franklin County.”
Hamilton said the reason it was a statewide amendment is because the land is located outside of Franklin County, but that “it is our land.” He explained it was previously managed by the Department of Conservation, but since the amendment has passed, the Franklin County Schools Board of Education is the new manager of the land.
“We now become the manager of the land – we as a collective board, whatever we do going forward – sell it, lease it, go into a trust – we’ll follow the blueprint of what Cullman County did when they did this,” Hamilton added. “Winston County did the same thing, and we’ll take the interest off of the trust.”
At the November 19, 2024, meeting of the FCS BOE, Hamilton commented further, explaining “we’re a long ways from being able to do anything with it, but we’re already in the process of getting started on committees and other things.”
Hamilton shared his appreciation for the support of those who voted in favor of the amendment and “what we foresee is happening in the future with this possible revenue from Section 16 land.” He described it as a “glimmer of hope for a rural county school system to possibly have revenue that we’ve never been able to have any kind of access to in the past.”
Rep. Jamie Kiel, of Russellville, state representative for District 18, representing Franklin and Colbert counties, shared his support of the amendment’s passing. “I am very pleased that Alabama voters elected to allow Franklin County Schools to have the opportunity to capitalize on the potential development opportunity of their land,” Kiel said.
“Although most 16th Section land is best suited for timber production, mining or similar natural resources management,” Kiel continued, “this particular piece of property could potentially provide a funding source for our kids that current management practices never could. My hope is that approving this amendment will benefit our children for many years to come.”
At the Nov. 19 meeting, Kiel commented further. “I was super pleased that we were able to pass Amendment 1 statewide – 75 percent of Alabama’s voters statewide,” he continued. “I’m hopeful that we get the deed soon and that we’re able to move forward with selling the land and investing that money in our children’s education.”
FCS BOE member Carol Murphree said she wishes to express “her heartfelt gratitude” to all who voted in support of the amendment. “With this approval, we gain total control over our land, enabling us to make decisions that will directly benefit our students and schools,” Murphree explained. “This is not just a victory for today. It’s a foundation for generations to come.”
Ballot wording for Statewide Amendment 1:
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabaman of 2022, to grant certain sixteenth section and indemnity school land that is owned in fee simple by the Franklin County school system, is located in Fayette County and Walker County, and is for the exclusive use of schools in the Franklin County School System to the Franklin County Board of Education; and to provide for the distribution of any proceeds and interest generated by this land to the Franklin County Board of Education. (Proposed by Act 2024-301)
This is an updated version of the article that appears in the Nov. 20, 2024, issue of the Franklin County Times.
