Ala. Code § 45-39-101.04
In the event of a vacancy in the office for any cause, except removal, the vacancy shall be filled by the county board of education, and the person so appointed shall hold office until the next general election thereafter when his or her successor shall be elected. Should any county superintendent by removed for cause by the county board of education, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment of the State Superintendent of Education, and his or her appointee shall hold office as in the case provided by appointment of the county board of education. Provided that the county board of education may remove the county superintendent for immorality, misconduct in office, incompetency, or willful neglect of duty, any of which causes must be alleged and proved and the county superintendent shall have the right to be heard in his or her defense and all such hearings shall be conducted as in cases provided under the general laws for the impeachment of county officers.
Ala. Code § 45-39-101.04 (1975)