Lawmakers weigh plans to allocate additional resources to English learners, gifted students and poor students.
Kirk Fulford, deputy director of the Legislative Services Agency's Fiscal Division, addresses lawmakers at a school funding commission meeting on Jan. 23, 2024.Leaders of a legislative school funding committee said Thursday that there’s a strong possibility schools could soon see more money to address student needs. But it’s unlikely that a complete overhaul of Alabama’s school funding formula will happen this year.
“We’ve come a long way, and we’ve got miles to go before we sleep,” co-chairman Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, told the commission Thursday.Alabama is one of just six states that still funds its schools based on student enrollment alone. Since 1995, the state has used local attendance to allocate money from the Education Trust Fund’s Foundation Program.per pupil to local school districts. Those funds typically are used for staff salaries and other basic operational expenses.
A student-weighted formula, which would be based on student needs rather than headcount, would allow districts more flexibility to make decisions on how to spend state funds. But lawmakers said that model might be too complex to implement this year. He estimated that there is currently about $182 million extra in the state’s Education Trust Fund that could be directed to certain student groups. Starting in May, lawmakers also will have access to a $1.1 billion education reserve fund, which could be used toward the transition.
“Fear always comes up when you mention the word change, because we’ve become so comfortable with what we already know,” Rep. Debbie Wood, R-Valley, told the committee. “But I think the exciting thing is, in this state, we are looking to grow. We are looking to change. And we’re not going to be afraid of that.”
“A full student-weighted model would have, we think, a greater long-term impact, but a hybrid model up front would be a significant improvement and would really have a big impact on kids,” he said.The commission plans to meet in the first week of February to draft final recommendations.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
State lawmakers look to bring lottery to Alabama as Mega Millions jackpot risesThe Mega Millions jackpot is now more than $1.1 billion after no one matched all 6 numbers on Christmas Eve. A lot of people in Alabama are dreaming about the money, but if you want to play you still have to drive across state lines, because state lawmakers have not given the lottery the green light.
Read more »
Alabama Lawmakers Eye Lottery as Mega Millions Jackpot SoarsThe potential for a lucrative state lottery is gaining traction in Alabama as the Mega Millions jackpot continues to rise, offering a tempting financial opportunity for the state and its residents.
Read more »
Alabama Lawmakers Propose Fines for Students Who Violate Cell Phone Rules in ClassroomsA bill proposed in Alabama would fine students who repeatedly break cell phone rules in class. The bill aims to address the growing concern about cell phone use disrupting learning and impacting student engagement. The legislation would require the state Board of Education to develop a model policy for schools to adopt, including escalating disciplinary measures, such as fines for repeat offenders.
Read more »
Alabama Lawmakers to Consider Bill Strengthening Sentences for Crimes by Illegal ImmigrantsAlabama lawmakers are set to return to the Statehouse on Feb. 4 and will consider House Bill 3, a bill similar to the 'Laken Riley Act' in Washington, D.C. The bill would strengthen sentences for crimes committed by illegal immigrants. Rep. Chip Brown, the bill's sponsor, argues that there hasn't been enough effort to hold illegal immigrants accountable for crimes.
Read more »
Alabama State comes up short against Alabama A&MMontgomery, Alabama
Read more »
Alabama State defeats Alabama A&M 69-65Led by Amarr Knox's 14 points, the Alabama State Hornets defeated the Alabama A&M Bulldogs 69-65. The Hornets are now 7-11 with the win and the Bulldogs dropped to 6-12.
Read more »