Montgomery, AL – In a recent development, Alabama K-12 schools have been granted a total of $179 million through a new capital grant program. A total of 327 schools across the state have benefited from this initiative, with each school awarded varying amounts for construction, debt service, deferred maintenance, school security, and technology needs. Notably, this funding decision was distinct from typical school funding allocations, as it was controlled by local lawmakers and overseen by Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth’s office.
The capital grant program, initiated through a bill sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr and passed in 2023, aimed to address the pressing capital needs of K-12 schools. The decision-making process involved input from every House member and senator, requiring approval for each grant request. The program allowed school districts to apply for one-time funding based on their specific needs.
According to Sen. Orr, the goal was to avoid a formula-driven or enrollment-driven approach, ensuring fairness, particularly for smaller districts that might be penalized under such systems. The application process involved multiple submissions from each school district, covering various projects at different schools.
Lt. Gov. Ainsworth’s office, responsible for evaluating grant applications and determining final awards, emphasized a meticulous review process. The office prioritized projects based on their potential impact and aimed for a fair allocation across different regions of the state. Although the exact number of school districts benefiting from the grants was not confirmed, the awarded funds were distributed to 327 schools in 137 districts.
The average grant amount stood at $546,000, with individual schools receiving awards ranging from $2,430 to $5 million. Some schools secured multiple grant awards for various projects. The program required school officials to provide matching funds on a sliding scale, taking into account local tax revenue.
Despite the positive impact of the grants, concerns were raised about partially funded projects and the potential challenges faced by districts in completing them. School officials have until November 30 to accept the awards, and discussions around alternative funding sources for partially funded projects are ongoing.
The breakdown of awards by grade level or function showed a diverse distribution, with high schools receiving $74.9 million, elementary schools $45.9 million, and middle schools $20 million. Career technical education centers, charter schools, statewide specialty schools, and other facilities also received significant allocations.
In conclusion, the capital grant program reflects an effort to address the diverse needs of Alabama K-12 schools. While local lawmakers played a crucial role in the allocation process, ongoing discussions focus on ensuring that all awarded projects can be successfully completed.
