Laura Atchison

This application details Autauga County Schools' strategic approach to utilizing ESSER 2 funds to mitigate the educational impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan prioritizes closing student achievement gaps and ensuring continuity of services through investments in high-quality instructional materials for English Language Arts and Mathematics, comprehensive professional development for staff, and robust supports for unfinished learning via assessments and transition programs. It also addresses facility renovations and improvements to create safe and effective learning environments, all while adhering to federal compliance assurances.

The Autauga County Board of Education established the salary schedules for the period of October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. These schedules outline the uniform and equitable payment of wages for services rendered by certificated and support employees, based on years of experience, degree/certification, and assignment. The schedules include certified administrative staff, teachers, assistant principals, teams teachers, central office support, local school office support staff, local school support, custodians, student support services, health services, facilities and maintenance, technology, transportation, CNP, fine art, substitute, and other supplement positions.

The document provides a detailed financial overview, presenting a combined budget of revenues, expenditures, and changes in fund balances for governmental and expendable trust funds. It includes a breakdown of revenues by source, such as state, federal, and local revenues, as well as expenditures across various services like instructional, support, operations, maintenance, and auxiliary services. The report also covers other fund sources and uses, detailing the excess revenues over expenditures and the beginning and ending fund balances.

The Autauga County Board of Education held a budget hearing to discuss the proposed operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026. Key discussion points included the interactive and inclusive budget process, consideration of guidelines from various educational agencies, and budget constraints related to local matches for state funds. The impact of student enrollment on state funding was reviewed, along with an overview of the Foundation Program and its funding mechanisms. The budget also covered various financial funds, including the General Fund, Special Revenue Fund, Debt Service, Capital Projects Fund, and Fiduciary Fund, detailing their respective revenues, expenditures, and fund equity. Additional topics included the RAISE Act, other state funds, functional expenditure areas, supplemental funds, local revenues, and challenges related to federal, state, and local budget constraints.

The board meeting addressed personnel actions, including accepting resignations and employing new staff in various roles such as drivers education, special education, social science, math, elementary education, science, physical education, and support staff positions. An emergency declaration was approved to expedite the replacement of the Prattville High School fire alarm system.