Ala. Code § 16-60-191

The State Board of Education shall establish and maintain regional trade schools for the purpose of training young men and women in useful occupations and in the arts and sciences. The State Board of Education shall have authority to purchase or lease buildings, land, equipment, machinery and supplies necessary for the teaching of trade courses. The State Board of Education is authorized and whenever possible is directed to negotiate leases or purchases with the war assets administration or other agencies of the United States for the lease or purchase of suitable facilities, equipment, machinery and supplies.