Joecephus “Joe” Nix, the incumbent for ACS District 1 said he believes there are eight key issues facing the Andalusia City School System.

“School systems throughout the state are faced with financial challenges,” Nix said. “Despite these challenges, the Andalusia School System remains one of the top 25 school systems in the state. It is my belief that the issues I’ve deemed as the top issues facing the Andalusia School System must be addressed in order for the system to retain this distinction and also to meet state and local objectives.”

Nix said first and foremost, the system must address declining revenues and demand greater accountability.

He said the lack of dedicated funding for programs that have been proven successful should be a top priority of the system.

“We also need expansion of initiatives targeting (Adequate Yearly Progress) attainment, to see the implementation of planned capital improvement projects, as well as revisiting the strategic plan and modify it as necessary,” he said.

Nix said he also sees a need for greater collaboration with the city of Andalusia as an issue facing the school system.

Other issues Nix said he wants to address are increased public outreach; greater emphasis on athletic programs; expansion of dual enrollment opportunities; reduction of class sizes; and the “continuation of the long standing tradition of excellence.”

“If re-elected, I pledge my full support to address these and other issues vital to the successful operation of the Andalusia School System,” he said.

Nix is married to the former Moszetta Jackson. He is the youngest of five children born to Era M. Nix and the late Emmitt E. Nix.

A 1975 graduate of Andalusia High School and 1979 graduate of Alabama A & M University, Nix is a 24-year employee of the Alabama Department of Transportation and a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church.