Amendment 1 Rejected By Alabama Voters

MONTGOMERY, AL — The only amendment on the ballot statewide Tuesday in Alabama was Amendment One, which would rename the state school board and, essentially, get rid of the current elected members, who would be replaced by governor-appointed members.

As well, Amendment One would require the Commission to adopt education standards in place of "common core."

Alabama voters rejected the amendment Tuesday by a large margin. The final talley showed 75 percent of voters opposed to the amendment.

Gov. Kay Ivey, who had supported the measure, was disappointed in the outcome, according to a statement from her press secretary.

"Amendment One was a bold and ambitious effort to transform our state’s public schools. Governor Ivey was willing to step out and support this idea because she firmly believed leadership – and change – started with the Board itself," the statement read. "Tonight, however, it appears the fear of losing the right to elect our State School Board members was greater than the confidence we had that fundamental change could be made. While disappointed, the governor’s resolve to improve our public education system remains intact. Amendment One is not where her plans for education stop, and you’ll see her continue to be more innovative and creative with her approach to improving Alabama."