Shoals doctor takes oath for state school board

A Shoals native officially joined the Alabama State Board of Education on Jan. 28.

Dr. Allen Long, who practices at Shoals Ear, Nose & Throat on Cox Boulevard in Sheffield, was officially sworn in Tuesday in Montgomery.

Long graduated from Coffee High School in 1971, the University of North Alabama in 1975 and medical school at the University of South Alabama in 1979.

He has been practicing medicine for the past 40 years.

“I grew up in a time and place where I felt like I received an excellent education,” he said. “I feel like the same is true in some parts of the state now, but in other parts the kids can barely make change at the cash register or may not be able to read their own diploma. All of the kids across the state are not receiving the same basic education.

“We should do our best to make sure the next generation has the education it needs, and I feel we have the opportunity to do that.”

Long said he decided to run for the office after witnessing a lack of basic education among some members of today’s youth.

He officially took the plunge in October of 2023.

“Campaigning was extremely time consuming,” he said. “I was very enlightened by talking to a lot of students, parents, educators and administrators. I made interactions with a number of citizens in the district.”

Long won the March 5, 2024, Republican primary without need of a runoff by garnering 60.9% of the vote, 52,769 total.

He ran unopposed in the Nov. 5, 2024, general election. The term for members of the state board is four years.

Out of the eight districts in Alabama, Long now represents District 7, which includes Lauderdale, Colbert, Lawrence, Franklin, Winston, Marion, Walker, Fayette, Lamar and parts of Tuscaloosa, Jefferson and Limestone counties.

“I hope to prioritize the basics — reading, writing and arithmetic,” he said. “I would also like to see an increased emphasis on history, both state and national. I want students to understand how we became the greatest country in the world, and to understand the things we appreciate now are due to the sacrifice of previous generations.

“I would also like to emphasize civics. Most students don’t know who their elected officials are or how legislation works. We need to do a better job on the basics.”

Long also said he hopes to bring about an increased emphasis on learning practical skills, like those taught in trade schools and classes.

“We need more options for young people who aren’t necessarily academically inclined but mechanically inclined,” he said. “We should be giving them a leg up in areas that are needed and pay well, like trades and craftsmen. When was the last time you met a plumber or electrician that didn’t earn a good living?

“Going to college isn’t the answer for every student. We need practical, everyday folks. They make the world turn. You can’t run a business without the lights on, the plumbing done, everything working correctly.”

Long said he is thankful to voters for the positive response to his campaign and giving him the opportunity to represent District 7.