MONTGOMERY, Ala. – After budgeting $7.7 billion in tax revenue, the State earned $10.4 billion, creating a $2.7 billion surplus for fiscal year 2022, which lawmakers will have to decide how to spend during the next legislative session, according to the Alabama Association of School Boards.
While the funds must be used for education, many options are available and legislators are reviewing the various needs in the state.
“This is a significant surplus, and we should spend it in areas that will not create issues down the road. With that being said, I think fully funding counselors, assistant principals and transportation for every school is very much needed especially here in Cullman County,” said Cullman County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette. “Most people do not know that the (Alabama) State Department of Education doesn’t fund a full-time counselor at most of our schools, and they only fund a portion of what it takes to provide transportation to our students.”
Barnette continued, “With inflation, the cost of purchasing a school bus has risen over $20,000 over the past two years to about $105,000, and the State currently allocates approximately $82,000. With us running 109 buses this difference adds up quickly. Outside of these things, I would like to see the state department use some of these funds for additional upgrades to our facilities and additional safety measures.”
“This provides the state of Alabama tremendous opportunity to continue to increase their investment in public education,” shared Alabama Association of School Boards Executive Director Sally Smith. “There’s some unmet needs in our schools, so we’re urging caution as the Legislature goes forward at looking for usage for these funds.”
Current teachers and school administrators feel the funds are needed in the classrooms, whether it be technology upgrades, school building repairs or directly in the classrooms themselves.
Cullman City Schools Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff said he thinks the money would be best spent to “sustain math coaches, mental health specialists and intervention teachers.”
He continued, “Fund assistant principals in every building and fund more counselors. Other one-time investments would include capital money to improve infrastructure, safety, standalone STEM labs, technology and fully fund transportation.”
“It’s time we put hands and feet back into the classroom because those are actually the people working with the children every day,” agreed Central Alabama American Federation of Teachers President Erika Hughes.
Jim Kirkland, chief school finance officer of Trussville City Schools, said, “This could give us the ability to receive extra funds to provide services that some our services may need that we’re struggling with right now. Just making our facilities the best. Whether it’s technology, security, anything to make our schools better.”
Lin Howell feels the money would be better spent on those who are retired from school systems instead of other interests. The Jefferson County School System retiree stated, “The retirees should get a one-time cost of living adjustment because I’m retired and what I’m making retired I’m still having to supplement it with another job.”
Smith said avenues being explored include school nurse resources and improved school technology. She said the Alabama Association of School Boards is conferring with school boards across the state to gather their specific needs. While her department can provide suggestions, it will be up to legislators to decide how the surplus will be spent.
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