BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Autauga County school board met this week and addressed two major items – selling the Autaugaville School property and selecting a new board chair following the resignation of Tracye Strichik, who stepped down to lead a statewide children’s advocacy organization.
The board voted unanimously to let Superintendent Lyman Woodfin proceed with selling the Autaugaville School property, though the buyer was not formally named in the motion. However, the decision was followed by a presentation by Marquis Forge, CEO of MRaine Industries, who outlined plans to open a private Christian school at the site.
“These are our plans,” Forge told the board. “MRaine River Association, which is a nonprofit organization of MRaine Industries…will embark on a task to keep a school in the Autaugaville community. This will be more than a school – it will be a private Christian school.”
The board closed Autaugaville School at the end of the 2024-25 school year, citing declining enrollment, academic struggles and the high expense of operating a small school. Enrollment had fallen to below 200 students in the K-12 school. Forge was the valedictorian of Autaugaville’s Class of 1995.
Forge, known for founding eleven86 Real Artisan Water, said the new school would begin with Head Start and preK programs and serve students in kindergarten through sixth grade. The site will also include a family life center and a workforce development facility.
“These actions will give the Autaugaville the opportunity to build back better than ever – solidify the future for many generations. This is what we will do.”
His remarks drew enthusiastic applause from the audience. After the vote, Woodfin said the next step is to work with board attorneys to close on the property. No timeline was given.
Woodfin also expressed gratitude to the board.
“Board members, I do want to thank you for providing a path forward where we keep an educational component in the town of Autaugaville,” he said. “That is monumental.”
Board chair resigns to take head spot at VOICES for Alabama’s Children
Also on Tuesday, Board Chair Tracye Strichik resigned her post effective immediately to become executive director of VOICES for Alabama’s Children, a nonprofit focused on child well-being and education across the state.
Strichik, who was elected to represent District 1 in 2022, had served as board chair since November. While her new role required her to leave elected office, she emphasized her continued commitment to supporting children and education.
“This has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” Strichik said. “While I’m excited for this next chapter, I will miss being part of what I believe is the best school system around.”
The board named Jamie Jackson as its new chair and will begin the process of filling the now-vacant District 1 seat, following guidance from the Alabama Association of School Boards.
The board will appoint Strichik’s successor to serve until the next election in 2026.
Woodfin praised Strichik’s leadership, calling her an “educational giant” and commending her for her deep commitment to students and teachers.
“Her thoughtful decision-making, strong advocacy for students and unwavering support for our teachers have made a lasting impact on me and all employees in our district,” he said in a written statement.