Candidates Line Up for Gadsden City Board of Education Seats

GADSDEN — Seats on the Gadsden City Board of Education are on the ballot Tuesday, Aug. 25. The board has seven districts, and it sets policy and budgets for Gadsden City Schools.

Cynthia W. Toles has announced her candidacy for the District 1 seat. A lifelong Gadsden resident and a graduate of the city’s schools, Toles is a retired educator and former City Council member with decades of experience in education, public service and community leadership.

In District 3, Z. André Huff has announced a bid for the board.

Qualifying for this election opened June 9 and closed at 5 p.m. on June 23, so the field is now set. The certified candidate list for every race is in our 2026 voter’s guide.

What does the school board actually do?

The Board of Education oversees policy, budgeting and leadership for Gadsden City Schools. That makes these among the most consequential seats on the local ballot, even though they draw less attention than the mayor’s race.

Board members set the budget that pays for teachers, buildings and programs. They also approve the school calendar families plan around. GadsdenThrive covered the approved 2026-27 calendars for both local systems in this story.

Board elections, like the city’s other races, are nonpartisan. Write-in votes are not allowed.

What else is on the same ballot?

School board seats share the Aug. 25 ballot with the mayor’s race and all seven City Council seats. Incumbent Craig Ford and Thomas Worthy are running for mayor.

A third candidate, Robert Avery Sr., qualified on June 23 and withdrew on July 10. His name does not appear on any ballot.

GadsdenThrive broke down the contested council districts in this story on Districts 1, 3, 5 and 6.

When do voters decide?

Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 25. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A candidate has to win more than half the vote to take a seat outright. If no one does in a given race, that race goes to a runoff on Sept. 22.

Not sure where you vote? Check our list of all 16 Gadsden polling places.

Can I still register or vote absentee?

Registration is closed. The deadline to register or update your voter information for this election was Aug. 10.

Absentee voting is still open, but the window is closing fast. Here are the dates that are left:

• Aug. 18 — Last day for the city clerk to receive a mailed absentee ballot application.
• Aug. 20 — Last day to apply for an absentee ballot in person.
• Aug. 24 — Last day to hand deliver a completed absentee ballot.
• Aug. 25 — Mailed absentee ballots must be received by noon.

Watch the first one. The Aug. 18 deadline depends on when the clerk receives your application, not on when you mail it. A postmark does not count. GadsdenThrive has published every remaining absentee date.

Who do I call with questions?

Residents seeking information on candidates, districts or voting can reach the Gadsden City Clerk’s office at 256-549-4517 or visit cityofgadsden.com.

The clerk’s office is in Room 401 on the fourth floor of Gadsden City Hall at 90 Broad Street.

Frequently asked questions

How many seats are on the Gadsden City Board of Education?

Seven. The board has seven districts.

When is the school board election?

Tuesday, Aug. 25. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Who has announced for District 1?

Cynthia W. Toles, a retired educator and former City Council member.

Who has announced for District 3?

Z. André Huff.

Is the school board race partisan?

No. Board elections are nonpartisan, and write-in votes are not allowed.

Can I still register to vote?

No. Registration for this election closed Aug. 10.

What is the last day to apply for an absentee ballot by mail?

Aug. 18. The clerk has to receive the application by that date, so a postmark does not count.

When is the runoff?

Sept. 22, for any race where no candidate wins a majority.