Alabama public school officials warn of job losses amid funding decisions

Alabama Education Officials Request $6.43 Billion for Fiscal Year 2026

Alabama education officials are asking for $6.43 billion for fiscal year 2026, but state that this amount may not be sufficient to fund all current employees in public schools.

This requested amount represents an 8% increase, or $472 million, compared to the current year. However, schools are also facing the loss of federal pandemic relief, which has supported many programs over the past four years. Most of the COVID relief aid has already been depleted.

State Superintendent Eric Mackey expressed concern about the sustainability of current positions, stating that many roles will be eliminated over the next three years. Some superintendents have already cut interventionist jobs, and others plan to not replace positions when staff members leave.

Mackey mentioned the hope of securing more funding for middle grade reading programs, which would allow affected employees to transition to other positions. However, he acknowledged that it is not feasible for the state to sustain all the federal funding received.

The state Department of Education is seeking increased funding to support new literacy programs, school security improvements, and other recently approved initiatives. However, it is unlikely that the full request will be funded by the legislature.

Lawmakers are currently considering other significant funding requests, including cost-of-living increases for retired educators and support for the Public Education Employees’ Health Insurance Plan (PEEHIP).

Mackey highlighted the rising cost of health insurance plans for public employees as a major concern. The PEEHIP request is a significant factor in the funding discussions.

What’s in the Proposal?

Of the department’s requested amount, $5.36 billion would be allocated to local K-12 school districts, representing an increase of about $225 million. The remaining funds would support financial assistance programs and services administered by the state department.

The largest increases in funding would be directed towards transportation and personnel changes.

To fully fund bus services, approximately half a billion dollars is required. The proposal seeks an increase of $133 million in transportation funds. An additional $55 million is requested to hire more assistant principals.

The proposal also includes $95 million to support the Alabama Numeracy Act, an increase of $27 million, and about $113 million for the Alabama Reading Initiative, up $7.4 million from last year.

Other Notable Requests:

• $52.9 million proposed for new security measures
• $52 million proposed for a new initiative to support struggling readers beyond third grade
• $20 million for a college and career readiness grant program
• Special education teacher stipends: $34 million proposed, an increase of $26 million
• Expansion of the Alabama Summer and Afterschool Program: $17.3 million proposed, an increase of $14.4 million
• Student assessments: $32.9 million proposed, an increase of $13.5 million
• Career tech programs: $48.7 million proposed, an increase of $10 million
• Special Education Certified Behavior Analyst Program: $13.5 million proposed, an increase of $5 million
• Gifted programs: $15.35 million proposed, an increase of $3 million

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education

The article discusses the funding needs for Alabama’s education system, specifically for K-12 schools. This aligns with SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
• Target 4.5: By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations.
• Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability, and gender-sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive, and effective learning environments for all.

The article highlights the need for increased funding to support new literacy programs, school security improvements, and other efforts recently approved by lawmakers. These targets address the need to provide quality education, eliminate disparities, and create safe and inclusive learning environments.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex.
• Indicator 4.5.1: Parity indices (female/male, rural/urban, bottom/top wealth quintile, and others such as disability status, indigenous peoples, and conflict-affected, as data become available) for all education indicators on this list that can be disaggregated.
• Indicator 4.a.1: Proportion of schools with access to (a) electricity; (b) the Internet for pedagogical purposes; (c) computers for pedagogical purposes; (d) adapted infrastructure and materials for students with disabilities; (e) basic drinking water; (f) single-sex basic sanitation facilities; and (g) basic handwashing facilities (as per the WASH indicator definitions).

The article does not explicitly mention these indicators, but they can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The indicators assess the proficiency levels of students in reading and mathematics, gender disparities in education, and the availability of essential facilities and resources in schools.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: al.com