The Alabama State Board of Education is discussing a proposed fiscal year 2026 budget request of $6.4 billion, which includes a $472 million increase with a focus on school safety. This proposal is above what is likely to be available in 2026, with only $380 million additional funds available for K-12 education. The budget also includes an additional $51.4 million for school safety initiatives.
The state’s health care plan for teachers, PEEHIP, is facing a projected $283 million shortfall in 2027, leading the board to request an additional $134 million from lawmakers next year. Lawmakers will also be asked to increase the state’s contribution to the teachers’ retirement system.
The proposed budget includes increases for various educational initiatives, including $27 million for the Alabama Numeracy Act, $52 million for reading initiatives, $133 million for school transportation, and $51.4 million for school safety. The budget also includes $4.7 billion for the education Foundation program, which funds all public schools in Alabama.
Given the financial constraints, Superintendent Eric Mackey emphasized that the budget proposal is a preliminary draft and is likely to change in the coming months. The budget request will be voted on by the board in October. Lawmakers and educators are working together to improve school safety and security systems, with a renewed focus on maintaining and enhancing safety measures in schools.
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