Allen: It’s time for Alabama to drop its outdated funding method for schools

By: John Allen

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 This out-of-date model ignores the needs of actual students.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.