Legislators are considering shifting the three-decade old Foundation Program to a needs-based system.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A prominent Alabama education group Friday called for changes to the state’s method of funding schools, a topic that legislators have been discussing for several months.
Speaking at the Alabama Opportunity Summit in Birmingham, a gathering of educational stakeholders in the state including educators, advocates and policymakers, Corinn O’Brien, vice president of policy at A+ Education Partnerships, said alterations to the formula could free up more money for schools.
“This is the thing that is the once in a generation legislative victory that we believe will truly transform our schools and provide the opportunities that Alabama students need and deserve,” she said.
A+ Education Partnership, an education advocacy organization, was among the hosts for the Alabama Opportunity Summit on Friday. The group has also been working with legislative budget chairs on potentially changing the state funding formula.
Alabama has traditionally underfunded public education, due to strict …