Lauderdale County school superintendent candidate Jerry Hill has been disqualified from seeking the Democratic nomination, but he still plans to push forward with his campaign.

Hill, a teacher and head football coach at Brooks High School, has been told by the Alabama Department of Education that he does not meet all requirements to hold the superintendent's position.

As a result, he cannot seek the Democratic Party nomination during the June 3 primary election.

Hill was to oppose incumbent Billy Valentine in the primary.

He said he lacks an administration certification, one of the requirements outlined in the Code of Alabama for superintendent candidates.

Hill said he will earn the certification when he completes a standard test later this summer. If successful, he would be allowed to be on the general election ballot in November where he would be matched against Valentine and Republican Scott Jones.

Hill said he will continue the campaign as an independent candidate.

"I'm in it for the long haul and I believe I can depend on those who have supported me in this race so far to continue to do so," Hill said.

He said he has finished the coursework for the administration certification but did not take the required test in April because of the illness and subsequent death of his mother. He plans to take the test in June, which is the next time it is offered.

Hill said he interpreted the law to mean that he had until the time he would take office in January to obtain the certification.

Hill said the state was alerted of the situation by someone trying to sabotage his campaign. He did not speculate on whom that person might be.

"This was my responsibility and I should have had this (test) done, but the fact is, my personal circumstances prevented it," Hill said. "The truth is, if I had it to do over again, I'd do the same thing because I was where I needed to be - with my mother.

"I'll take the test in June and get the certification and nothing is going to stop me from seeking this office."

Hill said he is a bit concerned about not being able to run as a Democrat, the party with which he has had lifelong affiliation.

"Most people know I'm a Democrat and those who have supported me all along will stay with me," he said.

Valentine said Friday that he will not alter his campaign strategy as a result of Hill's situation.

"I'll continue to conduct my campaign as if this had not occurred," he said. "As for the November ballot, I'll campaign just as if there were going to be two names on there. It won't lessen my efforts in the least."

Valentine has served in the superintendent position since January 2006 after being appointed to fill the unexpired term of Jerry Fulmer.

Lisa Singleton-Rickman can be reached at 740-5735.