August 20, 2024
CONTACT:
Madolyn Kirby
256-750-3332
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Curtis, Coley to Lead School Funding Effort
Tuscaloosa City Schools Funding Vote Sept. 24
A Yes Vote Means Everyone Wins
Tuscaloosa, Ala. – Beth Curtis and Michele Coley will lead Secure The Future Tuscaloosa, the community effort to increase funding for Tuscaloosa City Schools.
On September 24th, Tuscaloosa City voters will decide whether to increase school funding in a city-wide referendum.
Tuscaloosa City Schools have not had an ad valorem funding increase since 1986, almost 40 years ofunmatched inflation. During that time, inflation increased by 187 percent, while school costs increased by a staggering 272 percent.
“Our schools have made remarkable progress, but now we must build upon that success,” Curtis said. “With additional funding, we can expand Pre-K, school security, art and music programs, summer learning, and dual enrollment programs. Most importantly, every school, every student, and every district wins when we vote Yes on September 24th.”
If the school referendum passes, Tuscaloosa City Schools will:
- Provide pre-k for every child in this city. Every single one.
- Provide art and music education in every elementary school year-round. Every single one.
- Full-day summer learning for every child in every zone. Every single one.
- Retain and recruit the best and brightest teachers for every single classroom. Every single one.
- Keep class sizes small so that every teacher can teach and every child can learn. Every single one.
- Expand dual enrollment and career and technical programs for every student. Every single one.
- Provide bullet-resistant entrances at all schools. Every single one.
- Place security officers throughout the school day in every school. Every single one
- Install security cameras, alarms, and stronger security systems at every school. Every single one.
Both Curtis and Coley acknowledged that if the referendum fails to pass, consequences will impact the quality of Tuscaloosa schools. Painful cuts to popular programs must be implemented to balance school budgets.
Less school funding will mean:
- Fewer reading interventionists
- Class sizes will grow
- Access to school nurses will decline
- Enhancement of security measures will be limited
- Accessibility to career and technical programs will be reduced
- Access to summer learning programs will be drastically cut
- Art & music programs will be scaled back
- Athletics funding will be cut
Other school systems in the state are far outpacing Tuscaloosa in financial support. Tuscaloosa is behind Vestavia, Hoover, Auburn, Phenix City, Albertville, Boaz, Gadsden, and Madison, to name a few. This disparity in support affects Tuscaloosa’s ability to attract businesses and young professionals.
“Strong schools create strong communities, and it’s time for Tuscaloosa to catch up with other school systems,” Coley said. “The school funding referendum will provide the necessary funding to improve our schools and make Tuscaloosa a more attractive place to live and work.”
Coley has been a radio announcer and banker and is currently an insurance agent for Allstate. She is the former West Alabama Chamber of Commerce Chairperson and an influential force in the business community. Michele’s commitment to this community’s progress is why she is committed to securing the future of the city of Tuscaloosa.
Curtis started her career with the Tuscaloosa City Schools in 1970. She has been a teacher, assistant principal, and principal of Verner Elementary. Beth is beloved by students and teachers alike. Her devotion to education is why she is committed to seeing the referendum pass and securing a bright future for all children in Tuscaloosa.
For more information, visit securethefuturetuscaloosa.com.
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