Crushing the hopes of many, the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) on Wednesday solidified its decision to separate private and public schools in postseason play earlier this year.
In addition to electing Kim Kiel of Pelham City Schools as the first female president in AHSAA history and adopting other rules, the Central Board of Control also approved the championship schedule for the 2026-2027 season under the new system.
The decision created six classifications for public schools and two for private schools, meaning public and private school teams will compete in different divisions for state championships.
The decision to restructure the classifications drew criticism from many in Alabama's political leadership.
Lieutenant Gov. Will Ainsworth said the change was "obviously not properly thought out," claiming to be flooded with complaints from parents, coaches and administrators.
SEE: Ainsworth urges AHSAA to reconsider vote splitting public, private school playoffs
In the same month as the ASHAA Board's January announcement, the now-former Southeast District director, Kevin Hawkins, resigned, citing the split between public and private school playoff competition and the association's policy of assigning officials based on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
This month, the Alabama Legislature passed legislation allowing student-athletes to sue the AHSAA after Gov. Kay Ivey and House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) sued the association over another rule requiring transfer students who receive funds from the state's school choice program to sit out a year.
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