Education and Agriculture: John Jacobs’ Vision for Alabama House District 37 ​

Staff Writer March 24, 2026

​In a recent interview on the BCS.State of Alabama podcast, John Jacobs—the current Randolph County Schools Superintendent and a candidate for Alabama House District 37—discussed the unique needs of Randolph, Chambers, and Lee counties.

​A Background in Public Service and the Land

​*(https://youtu.be/_zDsYbdq4vI?t=36) Jacobs is not just an educator; he is also a farmer, rancher, and timber operator. He currently serves as a member of the Alabama Pecan Growers Association.

*(https://youtu.be/_zDsYbdq4vI?t=84) He highlighted the beauty of the rural landscape and the importance of agricultural roots in his district.

​Key Policy Positions

​Education Funding [4:10]: Jacobs addressed the challenges rural schools face with a limited tax base. He credited the recent rise in Alabama's math and reading scores to specialized coaching.

​The CHOOSE Act

[5:07]: Discussing school choice, he noted that while the act allocates $180 million for private or homeschooling, he hasn't seen a significant shift in his district.

​Infrastructure [20:43]: A primary goal for Jacobs is four-laning US Highway 431 from I-20 to I-85. He believes this is the key to opening the region for industrial growth.

​Road Maintenance

[21:29]: He expressed a need for more state funding to repair "farm-to-market" roads riddled with potholes.

​Lottery and Gambling [10:24]: Jacobs supports a lottery, arguing that Alabamians are already crossing state lines to play.

​Economic Development [8:33]: He identified affordable housing as a major issue in Randolph and Chambers counties, suggesting tax breaks for builders [13:21].

​Values and Governance.

​Religious Expression

[16:06]: Regarding social issues, Jacobs supports constitutional amendments for student-led prayer and the display of the Ten Commandments in schools.

​Athletics [18:22]: He also touched on sports, stating his opposition to biological males competing in female athletics.

​The Path to Montgomery

​*(https://youtu.be/_zDsYbdq4vI?t=1862) Jacobs explained that after 40 years in education, he wants to spend more time with his grandkids while still making a high-level impact through his existing relationships with current legislators.

​Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/_zDsYbdq4vI