Let's not cut an investment that is paying good dividends

By Staff
Johnny Mack Morrow
In poll after poll, Alabama voters rate education as the most important issue facing Alabama.
Even with the economy going through a rough patch and gas prices cause pain at the pump, folks still know that the job we do educating our children is the single most important factor determining our future.
Over the past couple of years, we've made great progress in our schools. Through the dedication of thousands of teachers, and the effective investment of more resources into our classrooms, we have seen achievement go up.
Alabama had the largest jump in fourth grade reading scores in the country last year, a historic milestone in state education.
The Alabama Reading Initiative, the nationally recognized homegrown early literacy effort, transformed how schools teach reading and played a large part in the success.
Last year was the first time the program was fully funded reaching every elementary school in the state. It took eight years to get it in every school, but the dividends are clear to see.
Three years ago we started the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative, based on the success of the reading program, and each year we add more money to the program so more schools can participate.
From all accounts the schools that have this program have seen a significant improvement in learning, and an increased interest in these subjects. Researchers believe that investments in these programs will also have high yields in student achievement.
The last couple of years we've invested in Advanced Placement courses and distance learning, and recently the state received a huge grant to expand access to these classes.
Just last week, education officials announced that enrollment for these classes jumped by nearly 25 percent this year, while the rest of the nation only rose nine percent.
Kids from everywhere in the state and all walks of life are taking these important courses, which is a clear indication that the level of learning is going up, and that more of our students are getting prepared for college.
Every time we have invested in our schools and supported our teachers we have seen great returns in that investment.
There is no doubt that education money is being used wisely, and that each increase we've been able to do has had a great impact on teaching and learning.
Yet, concern is growing about funding. Revenue going to the Education Trust Fund has been flat, while the cost of everything has been going up, and it could cause devastating cuts for next year's school budget.
Alabama is unlike most states in that the majority of education funding comes from state, not local sources.
Alabama has the lowest taxes in the nation, and the lowest property taxes by far. Property taxes are the basis for education funding in most other states, while we pay for schools by dedicating every penny of the state sales and income taxes to education.
It's our law.
However, when the economy falters revenue from income and sales taxes falters too, and that is happening now. If things don't change with the economy K-12 may need to be slashed more than $400 million next year to balance the budget, a six percent cut.
We could literally wipe out all the progress we've achieved in just a year. Raising taxes is not an option, what can be done?
In the last legislative session, we passed a bill that can hopefully get us passed this rough patch, if the voters of Alabama agree.
A constitutional amendment will be on the ballot this November that would increase the school Rainy Day fund, allowing the state to borrow more money than currently allowed against the $3.25 billion Alabama Trust Fund, a giant savings account from offshore gas and oil royalties.
We've borrowed from this fund before to stave off school cuts, and we've always been able to pay it back on time.
The amendment raises the amount education can borrow to $440 million and lets schools pay it back in six years.
It doesn't hurt the oil and gas fund and it keeps the worst from happening to our schools. Seems like the right move, and hopefully the voters will agree.
One thing everyone can agree on is our schools are a wise investment. And we can look forward to huge dividends in the future as long as we don't cut what progress we've made.
Johnny Mack Morrow is a state representative for Franklin County. His column appears each Wednesday.