After more than 40 years in public education, including 31 years as a school administrator and three terms as superintendent of Randolph County Schools, I have never wavered in my belief that education is the foundation of strong communities, a skilled workforce, and a brighter future for our children.
Education is about more than academics. When our schools are focused on students, everything else follows. Families thrive. Local economies grow. Young people graduate prepared to build meaningful lives and careers. That is exactly what I have dedicated my career and my life to.
But in recent years, that focus has drifted. Educators are increasingly being forced by politicians and un-elected bureaucrats to navigate controversial issues that pull time and attention away from the classroom, creating confusion for students and frustration for parents and teachers alike.
Not long ago, we never would have imagined that educators, administrators, and school leaders would have to fight to maintain basic standards of privacy and safety like separate bathrooms and locker rooms for boys and girls, or to preserve a level playing field in athletics by ensuring that girls’ sports are only for biological girls.
What happened to common sense?
These standards should not be controversial, nor should they be red or blue issues. They are practical, widely understood expectations grounded in fairness, tradition and respect. Students deserve privacy. Parents deserve confidence that their children are in safe and appropriate environments from the moment they get on the school bus until they return home. And educators deserve clear, consistent policies that allow them to focus on teaching instead of facing backlash over ideological mandates.
These are not abstract policy debates. They are real concerns being raised by families and educators across our country.
I’m proud to say, though, that Alabama, and specifically the schools I’ve helped lead, have adopted common-sense protections for our students and young female athletes. As superintendent, I’ve worked hard to ensure student safety and level competition is prioritized. Who knew it would be so controversial to believe boys belong in the boy’s bathroom and locker rooms, and girls belong in the girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms? I’m proud of our local educators and staff for upholding these standards and thankful for their commitment to the safety of our students.
We need to eliminate these ridiculous distractions and get back to the fundamentals of education. Our students should graduate with strong reading and math skills, a solid understanding of government and civics, and a genuine appreciation for the country they live in. Teaching young people how our local, state and federal governments work – and why it matters to their futures – is essential to preparing the next generation of informed and responsible citizens to contribute to society.
If we want to get learning back on track, then we must empower the people closest to the classroom. Teachers and parents know these children. They should feel supported in speaking up when outside pressures distract from their core mission of educating, building character, and getting these children ready to enter the real world.
This is not about politics. It is about common sense. I’ve worked in education for over three decades. I know what works. It’s keeping the focus on students, supporting our educators and reinforcing the values of hard work, personal responsibility, respect for others and devotion to country. That’s how our schools succeed. If we lose that focus, it is our students who pay the price.
We can, and should, get back to the basics of ensuring Alabama’s classrooms remain places where students come first. Our children deserve nothing less.
John Jacobs has been in education for over 30 years and currently serves as superintendent of Randolph County Schools.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.