MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — It’s been nearly 30 years since Alabama lawmakers updated the process for funding K-12 schools across the state.
Right now, Alabama schools get funding from sales taxes and property taxes. Between local and state funds, schools are given money based on how many students they have.
But state Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) said Alabama is one of six states that does not currently fund based on actual needs.
“All children, as far as the cost to educate them, are not the same,” Orr said. “That’s the reason we are looking at following a national trend.”
Orr said there is a higher cost for gifted students, English language learners and those with special education needs.
State Sen. Rodger Smitherman (D-Birmingham) agrees. He said the state needs to help failing schools first in order to meet needs across the board.
“A lot of those schools have unique needs that may not be the same for some other schools,” Smitherman said. “And so because of that, then you’d be able to see even what resources are needed to maintain them at that level.”
Smitherman explained there are 206 failing schools statewide.
State Rep. Cynthia Almond (R-Tuscaloosa) said in the current system, generalities determine funding.
“I think that sounds like a good thing to look into, how much it will cost and how it would work in Alabama is yet to be seen,” Almond said.
Read More: Alabama lawmakers discuss making changes to way schools receive funding