The Alabama School of Health Sciences will officially relocate to Demopolis after the state Senate approved it on Thursday by a 28-3 vote.

The high school would serve students from across the state and be a boarding school like Alabama Cyber ​​Technology & Engineering School in Huntsville, Alabama Mathematics & Science School in Mobile and Alabama Fine Arts School in Birmingham.

Gov. Kay Ivey, a strong supporter of ASHS, is expected to sign a bill granting the school official recognition in the coming weeks.

“The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences is coming to Demopolis,” Ivey said, “Students from across Alabama will receive an education at this specialized high school and then be involved in strengthening our health care workforce. The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences is another way our state is leading the nation with innovative education solutions.”

Ivey praised several council members and the Demopolis community for their efforts in making the school happen.

“I commend Sen. Bobby Singleton, Rep. Cynthia Almond, Sen. Gerald Allen, Rep. AJ McCampbell, Rep. Pro Tempore Greg Reed, House Speaker Nathaniel Leadbetter and the rest of the state Legislature for their support of this important project,” she said. “I also deeply appreciate the community support in Demopolis and the support for health care systems and hospitals across the state.”

“An investment in the Alabama School of Health Sciences is an investment in education, the health care workforce and the future of Alabama.”

Alabama Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton's district includes Demopolis.

“I am honored that the state of Alabama chose to build this new school in my district,” said Rep. Singleton (D-Greensboro). “This school will provide a continued supply of trained medical professionals and staff to communities, hospitals and clinics across the state.”

Singleton said students will be housed at the University of West Alabama until the school is completed.

“We are partnering with the University of West Alabama to provide housing for students while the school is under construction,” Singleton said. “Matching funds will be provided by private foundations to assist with costs and construction expenses.”

“I want to thank Governor Kay Ivey and all of the legislators who supported this effort. Demopolis is ready to make you proud.”

Demopolis Mayor Woody Collins said he is excited about the development the school will bring to the city.

“At the beginning of this process, our city committed to transferring land for the school to the ASHS Foundation, and we are very pleased to be able to keep our promise,” Collins said. “We also know that our city will soon be home to the school's new staff and students, and we will keep their needs in mind in all decisions regarding the development of Demopolis.”

The initial legislative budget for ASHS is $15 million, which would allow the school to open in the fall of 2026 and enroll about 400 ninth and 10th graders in its first year, adding one grade each year thereafter.

Austin Shipley is a staff writer for Yellow Hammer News.