Alabama’s Community College System Seeks $694 Million Budget for Workforce Development
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Board has proposed a significant budget request of $694 million for the fiscal year 2026, representing an 18% increase focused on addressing workforce development needs across the state. Chancellor Jimmy Baker emphasized that the request includes a “significant pay increase across the board for all employees,” aiming to enhance competitiveness for instructor roles, particularly in math and science.
The hiring landscape has become increasingly challenging for ACCS, with competition from K-12 schools following recent salary increases for math and science teachers, authorized under the TEAMS Act. This legislation has proven effective in helping schools attract and retain qualified teachers within these crucial subjects.
The salary ranges for ACCS instructors span from $55,109 for entry-level positions to $123,547 for those with extensive experience. In contrast, TEAMS teachers earn between $50,521 and $102,067, with the possibility of stipends for additional qualifications.
Besides the proposed pay raises, ACCS is also advocating for expanded programs to boost student success and workforce readiness. Part of the budget request includes a $50.5 million allocation for dual enrollment programs, which have gained popularity as high school students increasingly undertake college courses. ACCS also seeks an increase in funding for the ACCS Innovation Center and for operations at Ingram State Technical College.
Additionally, the board reported encouraging news regarding enrollment, with 89,808 students registered in for-credit courses this fall, marking the highest enrollment since the 2011-2012 academic year. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education will vote on its budget proposal for all higher education institutions this Friday, with ACCS scheduled to present its request to legislative committees on February 5.
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