SB179 Summary

• Appropriates funds for public education support, maintenance, and development in Alabama for fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, including debt service and capital outlay.

• Establishes funding from the Education Trust Fund (ETF), federal and local funds, and other specified sources for K-12 schools, two-year colleges, four-year universities, and various education-related programs and agencies.

• Total appropriation of approximately $4.6 billion for State Board of Education local boards, $977 million for two-year college system, and $3.9 billion for colleges and universities.

• Includes conditional appropriations totaling $11.4 million contingent on passage of House Bill 240 to increase the ETF spending cap and revenue.

• Establishes grant criteria for At-Risk and High Hopes programs requiring 40% discretionary spending and 60% awarded through competitive grants based on student achievement, research-based content, and service to lower-income students.