Ala. Code § 45-39-101.03
The county superintendent of education shall be charged with the same duties and shall exercise the same powers as are now or as may hereafter be provided by the general school laws of the state in the conduct of the office of county superintendent of education and no person shall be eligible for political party nomination or for election to the office of County Superintendent of Education of Lauderdale County who does not hold an Alabama Class A. Certificate in administration and supervision based as a minimum upon graduation from a standard teachers college and one year of additional study looking to a Masters Degree in administration and supervision of public education and must give proof of three years of successful experience as a teacher, principal, superintendent, or supervisor in the state in the last five years preceding the election and shall have and possess such other qualifications as may be provided by the general school laws of the state. Provided, however, that if no person meeting these requirements qualified for election as provided in this part the county board of education shall appoint a superintendent of education as provided by the general law regulating the appointment of superintendents; and provided that no person shall be eligible to qualify or be elected to the office of county superintendent of education of the county who is not a qualified elector of the state at the time of the nomination and election to the office and who does not procure from the State Superintendent of Education a certificate that he or she possesses the qualifications prescribed by this part.
Ala. Code § 45-39-101.03 (1975)