The Education Trust Fund

The Education Trust Fund (ETF) should not be allocated to private institutions. Taking public school funding only reduces what can be provided to the public sector. Funneling money into Private schools, no longer makes the school private. A select group of students will receive additional funds on top of the investment already being made into the school by the parents that sponsor programs. Our public schools are already struggling to afford the resources they need, and Alabama is fighting to make strides towards increasing our scores. If the Choose Act is expanded or Alabama continues to pull ETF money for non-educational projects, teachers cannot receive a raise and schools will not be able to afford resources or incentives for students to continue excelling.

The majority of the students receiving ETF money were already enrolled into private schools. Allocating some money to homeschoolers allows for more of a choice, but there need to be clear guidelines on how the money is spent. However, the Choose Act does not allow families to actually choose the school they desire. Some families express that they applied for the Choose Act to send their child to a better funded public school with a better athletic department but were denied because public schools were not included in the list of acceptable schools. The Choose Act, as a whole, is doing more damage than good for District 38. It needs to be revamped or reconsidered.

Special Education

It is time to explore the creation of a dedicated fund to support children with special needs. Too often, public schools lack the resources to provide adequate services, while private schools remain financially out of reach for many families. By investing in specialized at‑home education programs or offering financial assistance for existing initiatives, we can ensure that every child receives the individualized support they deserve. Parents across Chambers County have voiced their frustration with the heavy financial burden required to secure educational resources for their children. This challenge is not confined to District 38—it is a broader issue that demands a comprehensive solution. Establishing a special fund would not only ease the strain on families but also demonstrate our commitment to equity and opportunity for all students.

My goal is to work toward a sustainable framework that empowers parents, strengthens educational outcomes, and affirms our responsibility to serve every child in our community.

Expand Educational Resources

I have heard concerns about how schools are allowed to spend their ETF funds. The core issue is that the money cannot always be allocated in ways that best meet each school’s unique needs. By reviewing the financial records directly, I can gain a clearer understanding of how these funds are currently being used and work to pass legislation that provide schools with greater flexibility in using their funds.

Additionally, I want to highlight an important issue regarding teacher compensation. Alabama has previously discussed giving teachers a raise but chose instead to cover the increase in Public Education Employees’ Health Insurance Plan (PEEHIP) insurance premiums. Now, with another discussion on both teachers’ pay and PEEHIP increases approaching, I believe it is essential to advocate for teachers to receive a genuine raise—one that is not immediately offset or taken away by higher insurance costs. Our educators deserve meaningful compensation that reflects their dedication and service. Teachers who can afford hands-on learning materials often achieve deeper, foundational learning with their students. Yet it is unfair that teachers must sacrifice their own family needs to personally fund these resources.

Prioritize Student Safety and Mental Health

Providing students with designated resources—such as access to trained therapists—can create a safer environment and foster stronger communication between students and teachers. Mental health is a growing concern in Alabama, yet many still carry a negative perception of therapy. The reality is that issues beyond the classroom often exceed what school counselors alone can manage. Counselors already shoulder enormous responsibilities and cannot dedicate the necessary focus to students’ mental health. We need trained professionals inside schools to address emotional outbursts and behavioral challenges directly.

Supporting students’ mental health will lead to improved behavior in the classroom. In turn, teachers will be able to teach more effectively and feel greater control in their classrooms. I have seen firsthand the toll teaching takes on educators, who are not adequately supported for the vital role they play in shaping Alabama’s future. A school sanctioned therapist can ease some of those burdens.