Alabama is the home of rockets, research, and immense natural resources. We are also, unfortunately, one of only six states that still base funding for public schools on enrollment. This out-of-date model ignores the needs of actual students.
As a North Alabama native and the CEO of the Huntsville Committee of 100, I have long recognized the importance of quality investment in education to enhance economic opportunities for the next generation, build tomorrow’s workforce and prepare our future leaders. We are a business organization committed to long-term strategies that support economic development, high-quality public education, and cooperative local government.
In 2019, the Creative Cities Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Huntsville Committee of 100, and The Schools Foundation launched The Raise Your Hand initiative. Together, we are working to add 500 National Board Certified Teachers to our three public education systems in Madison County. Research shows NBCTs increase student achievement, improve classroom management, and produce a higher return on investment for their schools. Reforming education funding in Alabama will further allow these teachers and others in the state to have a greater impact in the classroom.
In recent years, Alabama has made noticeable progress in student reading and math achievement through targeted investments and critical education reforms. Our state leaders’ commitment to high educational attainment is evident by their overwhelming support and implementation of the Alabama Literacy Act and Alabama Numeracy Act. Progress is happening statewide.
However, the state’s current resource-based formula has not been updated in 30 years. The system lacks transparency and does not allow schools to adjust how they spend money to address their students’ needs.
The Committee of 100 is proud to join the statewide coalition, Every Child Alabama. More than 30 coalition partners consisting of organizations, business leaders, educators, students, families, and community members throughout the state are working to move school funding reform forward to lay the groundwork for sustainable change.
We believe Alabama needs a student-weighted funding formula where all school districts would receive proportionate funding and more flexibility. By considering individual student needs, we can ensure that the state provides adequate funding for every child.
For generations, Alabama has consistently ranked near the bottom in most national educational outcomes. Less than half of our students read proficiently, and only 3 in 10 can do math on grade level. These disparities disproportionately affect some students, such as rural students, students with disabilities, and students from low-income communities, leaving them ill-prepared for college, career, and life.
School funding reform will lay the groundwork for sustainable change.
We know positive educational outcomes can strengthen our communities, region, and state. Education funding plays a critical role in ensuring every child is receiving the resources they need to thrive in both school and life. By considering individual student needs, schools will be able to meet the mandate of preparing every child for a competitive, fast-changing world. Every student deserves to have a high-quality teacher, healthy meals, a safe building, summer and after-school opportunities, and a supportive learning environment.
A student-weighted formula would provide greater opportunities for every Alabama child to lead a successful life. Let’s reform Alabama’s school funding system and invest in the future of our students and our state.
John Allen is CEO of Huntsville Committee of 100.
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