Whitehead seeks Bessemer school Board District 5 seat
Registered nurse says she will focus on aging schools, student and parent needs, and restoring accountability to the Board
Kermilia Whitehead is asking District 5 voters to elect her to the Bessemer City Board of Education, pledging to focus on aging school buildings, student and parent needs, and restoring trust and order to the Board.
Whitehead, a registered nurse and Bessemer resident of more than 20 years, is one of the candidates seeking the District 5 seat in the City's Aug. 25 municipal election. The seat is now held by Margie Varner.
The election comes at a key time for Bessemer City Schools. The system has been under State oversight since 2024, when the Alabama State Board of Education stepped in over concerns involving Board governance, finances, personnel, school facilities and student performance.
State Superintendent Eric Mackey said earlier this year that Bessemer's elected Board remained suspended after problems with its ability to work as a group. Under State intervention, the local Board serves largely in an advisory role.
Whitehead said her professional background would help her address some of those problems.
She has bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing and more than 30 years of clinical and administrative leadership experience. Her background includes managing health care operations, multimillion-dollar budgets and large teams.
In announcing her campaign, Whitehead framed her decision to run in terms of service and her Christian faith, citing Luke 12:48.
"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, more will be asked."
Whitehead said she believes people blessed with knowledge, talent and time have a duty to use those gifts for their neighbors.
"I am not that candidate running on a platform opposing any of the other school Board candidates in the district," Whitehead said. "My reasons for entering this election are specific to what I see are the needs of students, parents, and our community."
At the top of Whitehead's agenda is the condition of Bessemer's aging schools.
That concern has also been raised by State officials. Mackey cited "clearly dilapidated school facilities" among the problems that led to State intervention. Some buildings in the district are more than 50 years old, and in serious need of maintenance and repair.
Whitehead said she would use her administrative experience to review budgets and procedures, find waste and work with other Board members to direct more money toward structural repairs and technology upgrades.
Her second major priority is expanding support for students while giving parents a stronger voice in the district.
"Education is a partnership," Whitehead said.
She said she wants to expand academic resources as well as mental health services for students and, when needed, parents. Whitehead also wants to create a structured feedback system that gives parents an active role in decisions affecting the school district.
Her third priority is restoring accountability and respect to the school Board.
Whitehead said she would work with the State management team and Superintendent Michael Turner to establish a more professional and civil culture among Board members.
Turner took over as Superintendent in April 2025 and has said his goal is to work with State officials to move Bessemer City Schools out of State intervention.
Whitehead said Board members must remember that their first responsibility is to the community and its children, rather than personal politics.
The Aug. 25 municipal election will include races for Bessemer Mayor, all seven City Council districts and all seven school Board districts. A runoff, where necessary, is scheduled for Sept. 22.
District 5 voters will cast ballots at West Hills Primary School, 710 Glenn Road. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
