Boykin Interviews Jones, Outlines School Board Priorities

North Alabama education advocate Emily Jones laid out her vision for Alabama public schools during a recent interview with political podcast host Julian Boykin, focusing on literacy, financial oversight, classroom technology and parental involvement.

Jones, a Republican candidate for Alabama State Board of Education District 8, appeared on Boykin’s program ahead of the May 19 primary election. The district includes Limestone, Madison, Jackson and DeKalb Counties.

During the interview, Jones described herself as a lifelong North Alabama resident with direct ties to the public school system.

“I’m the only candidate in the race that actually has a child currently in public school,” Jones said.

Jones said her background includes nearly two decades working in Department of Defense budgeting and auditing. She argued that experience would help strengthen oversight within the Alabama Department of Education.

“We need internal audits,” Jones said. “We need to know where money is going.”

She also called for more transparency in state education spending and said taxpayers deserve clearer answers about how school funds are used.

Jones said many voters misunderstand the role of the Alabama State Board of Education. According to her, the Board’s main responsibility is setting Statewide policy for public schools rather than waiting on lawmakers to drive education reform.

“The State Board should be leading,” Jones said during the discussion.

A major portion of the interview focused on classroom technology. Jones argued Alabama schools have become too dependent on screens and digital learning platforms, especially for younger students.

“We have replaced books with screens,” Jones said.

She pointed to concerns about reading development, attention span and critical thinking. Jones said elementary students benefit more from paper books, handwriting and direct instruction than from constant device use.

Her comments mirror concerns she raised in previous writings about digital learning and artificial intelligence in schools. In an opinion article published earlier this year, Jones argued that overuse of screens can weaken reading comprehension and student focus.

Jones also addressed gambling legislation during the interview, saying she opposes a State lottery because of the harm addiction can cause families.

She tied that position to personal experiences she witnessed growing up and said the State should not depend on gambling revenue.

Throughout the conversation, Jones repeatedly framed herself as a parent advocate rather than a career politician. She said parents deserve a stronger voice in education policy and more access to information about classroom instruction and curriculum materials.

Jones first announced her candidacy in 2025 after becoming active in education issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. She founded Alabama’s first Moms for Liberty chapter and has written extensively about parental rights, literacy and curriculum transparency.

The Republican primary for the District 8 seat was held May 19. Jones garnered the highest number of votes cast, 42.73%. She will face William Matthews, who received 30.55% of the vote, in the runoff election on June 16.

The full podcast may be seen on YouTube and below: