AL SJR61

Alabama's current Foundation Program for K-12 education funding is a resource-based system adopted in 1995 that funds districts based on anticipated costs of resources and inputs like salaries and classroom support.

Alabama is one of only six states using exclusively resource-based funding; 41 states use student-based funding models that provide additional funding based on student characteristics such as low-income status, poverty, disability, and English language learner status.

The Legislature shall conduct a study on modernizing K-12 school funding from a resource-based model to a weighted student-based funding model, including analysis of transition costs and necessary legal changes.

Study findings and any proposed legislation must be delivered to the Governor, Speaker of the House, and President Pro Tempore of the Senate by February 1, 2025.

The current Foundation Program is noted as complex with limited tools for lawmakers to address changing student needs or link state funding priorities to local spending decisions and student outcomes.