Calhoun County Schools officials are concerned about the continued decline in student enrollment, which could lead to fewer teachers and staff supplied by the state.
Enrollment within the schools has been declining for over two decades. Calhoun County Schools chief financial officer John Godwin presented the school system's FY-2026 budget, noting financial concerns due to the decrease in students.
Since the majority of the school system’s $117 million budget comes from the state’s foundation program, fewer students means fewer teachers and staff.
“We’re going to receive fewer teachers, fewer of these earned. I hate to call them 'units,' they are people,” said Godwin. “But that’s how it is calculated. So many teachering units, counselor units and librarians are earned based on the number of students we have enrolled.”
The school has hired teachers, counselors and assistant principals with local funds. They also have district-level special education teachers.
Godwin said it is a good thing that the local funds can pay for teachers, but it is important to avoid overextending the school system’s funds.
The school system will receive increased funds for transportation and technology, and less state funding for the nursing program and capital projects.
Funds for nursing programs were discussed. Godwin said he would like to see the state look at helping cover some of those costs.
The school system will be spending more than it is bringing in. The budget allows for spending of $158 million, with only $117 million coming in. However, the school system is starting the new year with $76 million, and Godwin said there are funds in reserve accounts. He said some of the reserves being spent were received last year and specifically set aside for this year.
Godwin suggested the Board of Education continue monitoring the enrollment situation.
The school's population began declining after the closing of Fort McClellan in 1999. In recent years, parents have pulled their children out of public schools and opted for private schools or homeschooling. Additionally, Alabama's CHOOSE Act allows parents to participate in school choice.
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