Alabama leaders react to proposed cuts at Dept. of Education
'The changes are concerning on different levels,' said Dr. Corey Jones, Superintendent of Greene County Schools.
Dr. Jones explained that those concerns have to do with federal education cuts. With less than 900 students in his school system, he said funding matters.
'You start looking at eliminating resources that will help any student assimilate and learn into our culture, you're not benefitting that student or their family,' said Dr. Jones.
President Trump's proposal includes a $12 billion cut in education funding compared to last year's budget. Dr. Mackey said that would eliminate federal funding for English Language Learners (ELL).
'Again, if the federal funds were to go away. we would lose ground,' said Dr. Mackey. 'Because we would just be using state money to plug a federal hole. But, right now, it doesn't look like Congress is probably gonna do that.'
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State Education Budget Chairman, Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), said it's premature to be concerned. He said the state budget is in great shape.
'Our federal government has a $37 trillion operating deficit that is extensive,' said Sen. Orr. 'It's massive. And cuts are gonna have to happen somewhere.'
But Rep. Phillip Ensler (D-Montgomery) said that funding is critical.
'Yes, the state should prepare for the worst-case situation. But members of Congress, especially those in the Alabama delegation, should do the right thing and support the U.S. Department of Education,' Rep. Ensler said.
Dr. Mackey said they are watching the proposal closely.
'Congress is a kind of slow moving, large body,' he explained. 'And we think that when it's all said and done, we're probably gonna be looking at level funding. So, level funding in an age of inflation is not the best, but it's certainly better than cuts.'
Dr. Mackey said the state is at record levels of support for English Language Learners when it comes to state funds. He said the state only relied on federal dollars for those programs five years ago.
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