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By RACHEL RAIFORD | Staff Writer

JiJi Davis has won the general election for Place 1 on the Shelby County Schools Board of Education on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

“I am ecstatic and honored to be elected for this position,” Davis said. “I am so thankful for the opportunity to give back to the county that helped build me.”

Davis received nearly 39,000 votes overall which comprised more than 74 percent of the total votes. She will serve on the Shelby County Schools Board of Education, Place 1.

“It is very important to me to be an advocate for all students,” Davis said. “It is my top priority to help them in meeting their educational, emotional, social and basic needs.”

Davis has been an associate professor at the University of Montevallo for more than 15 years. She has been the program coordinator of Elementary Education for five years as of fall 2024.

She is dedicated to providing a collaborative and positive experience for not only her students at UM, but now the students across Shelby County.

“I feel like this partnership I have with Shelby County Schools, by them hosting our pre-service teachers, has already opened a strong line of communication and collaboration between myself and the schools,” Davis said.

As a Shelby County native and Calera High School alumna, Davis went on to graduate from UM in 1999.

Davis beat out Democratic candidate Julia Craig for the seat on the BOE.

“I am so appreciative for the support and encouragement that has been shown to me in recent months and even today at the polls,” Davis said.

Davis replaces Jimmy Bice, who is not running for re-election after serving on the BOE for more than 10 years.

“The role I’m taking on, Mr. Jimmy Bice has been in this position for many years and he has done a phenomenal job with our students in the county,” Davis said. “He has been so supportive to me and I know I have some big shoes to fill.”

Davis is an advocate for listening to and supporting the needs of teachers.

“Although it is one of the most rewarding roles in the world, it can also be one of the most taxing,” Davis said. “It’s crucial to support them so they can not only best meet the needs of the children in their classrooms but also take care of themselves.”

Davis has been a life-long resident of Shelby County and is optimistic about her new role on the Shelby County BOE.