FY 2026 Explanation
Budget Expenses
Expenditures for this fiscal year are in keeping with best practices with approximately $70 million allocated for instructional spending and another $31 million earmarked for operations, administrative & auxiliary services. There are no across-the-board raises being provided by the State, but there are supplements for skilled maintenance certifications such HVAC, electrical, and plumbing as well as classified staff with an associate or bachelor’s degrees in a qualifying role. Additional information can be found in the district’s FY26 Salary Schedule.
Currently, Autauga County Schools holds $7.1 million in its Capital Fund. This fund serves current capital projects as well as a reserve for future planned capital expenditures, such as major renovations or large equipment purchases, that aren't suitable for debt financing. At this time, ACS utilizes this pool of funds for ongoing facility maintenance and technology upgrades, as the district's departments are not large enough to maintain the district's buildings and infrastructure, resulting in the need for outside service contracts.
The district holds three bonds that were used to purchase buses and make facility improvements in previous administrations totaling $41,935,158. Debt service payments cost approximately $5.8 million annually.
Budget Challenges
As with any new fiscal year, there are challenges that must be resolved to ensure the district is financially sound and ready to meet the needs of its students, families, community, and future workforce. Declining student enrollment in the Prattville zone with rapid growth in the Pine Level and Marbury communities, use of teaching units to ensure schools have assistant principals and counselors because not all schools earn full-time positions in these areas, a continued increase in special education population that current funding doesn't cover, and supporting a maintenance & technology infrastructure that requires constant updating and outside vendor contract services are the largest concerns moving forward along with these common public school challenges that also plague the district:
- Title II (professional development) uncertainty
- Free meals program eligibility may change
- Underfunded curriculum and employee benefit mandates
- Software and instructional needs often not covered
- CHOOSE Act could reduce district funding by $7,000 per participating student
- Charter schools may impact state and local funding shares
The district's current funding is also not adequate to meet the demands for instructional programming, building renovations, preschool & at-risk programs, and deferred maintenance. In addition, all state revenue currently allocated for capital projects and bus renewal is going straight to pay the bond debt payments outlined in the expenses above. In planning ahead, local revenues are the only flexible funding source to make up the difference; however, with a decline in sales tax of approximately $1,000,000 per year since FY23, there is concern about whether or not future earnings can cover the state and federal shortfalls.
This budget reflects a fiscally responsible plan with strategic allocations, despite funding limitations and declining local revenues. The district remains focused on instructional excellence while preparing for future financial shifts. For additional details on the district's 2026 budget, download the following resources.