SB175 Alabama 2024 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Donnie ChesteenSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2024
Title: Local boards of education; maximum compensation of board members, increased; continuing education requirements as condition for compensation, required
Summary: SB175 raises local school board member pay to $900 per month and adds an escrow system to enforce continuing education before compensation.
What This Bill Does
It raises the maximum monthly compensation for local board members to $900, with higher amounts allowed only if a local act specifies so and approved by the board at its annual meeting. It states that compensation is in addition to traveling and other necessary expenses. It creates an escrow account for compensation if a member does not meet continuing education and training requirements, holding funds until compliance. If a member leaves office while funds are in escrow, the remaining funds revert to the local board. It repeals the county board compensation law (16-8-5) and becomes effective October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects
Local board of education members: may receive up to $900 per month for their service, and may have their compensation held in escrow if they do not meet continuing education requirements.
Local school boards/districts: responsible for administering the new compensation rules, escrowing funds when required, and returning escrowed funds if a member leaves.

Key Provisions
Raises the maximum monthly compensation for local board members from $600 to $900 per month (subject to higher amounts by local act).
Allows local boards to set higher compensation amounts by majority vote at the board's annual meeting, if permitted by a local act.
Compensation is in addition to actual traveling and other necessary expenses.
Creates an escrow of compensation for members not in compliance with continuing education and training requirements; funds are held until compliance is met.
If a member vacates or leaves office while funds are in escrow, remaining escrowed funds revert back to the local board.
Repeals Section 16-8-5 (county boards of education compensation) and establishes the change for local boards, effective October 1, 2024.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Education