BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Two Alabama charter school organizations have been awarded a combined $45 million in federal grants, a significant boost for the state’s growing charter school sector and what supporters say is a new wave of educational opportunities for students and families.
The Alabama Public Charter School Commission will receive $30 million from the U.S. Department of Education’s Charter School State Entities Program, one of just six states nationwide to win such funding. The five-year award includes $27 million earmarked for subgrants to 23 charter schools. In total, $293.8 million was distributed to states through this category.
New Schools for Alabama, a nonprofit that helps qualified operators open and sustain new charter schools, was awarded $15.4 million through the program’s Credit Enhancement initiative, which supports school operators with the costs of securing and maintaining facilities. The group received $10.5 million under the same program last year.
The two grants are part of $500 million released last week through six separate federal programs aimed at expanding and supporting charter schools across the country.
Together, the awards mark a major investment in Alabama’s charter sector, which has steadily expanded since lawmakers passed the Alabama School Choice and Student Opportunity Act in 2015. Since then, the state commission has authorized 25 schools – 18 start-ups and seven campus and school expansions.
Charter Commission leaders say the new funding will allow schools to serve more than 10,000 educationally disadvantaged students across the state, support 475 educators and help maintain 100% financial and operational compliance across all schools.
“This award from the U.S. Department of Education allows us to open more doors for children across Alabama, especially those who haven’t always had access to schools designed for their success,” said Logan Searcy, the commission’s executive director.
“It gives us the chance to expand high-quality charter schools and empower educators to bring forward educational models that spark learning and inspire excellence. We embrace this investment with care and responsibility, knowing every decision we make must honor our purpose to prepare students for bright and promising futures.”
Shelia Austin, chairman of the Commission, called the award “a promise – a promise to students, families, and communities that these resources will be used to create meaningful and lasting impact.”
State Superintendent Eric Mackey also praised the charter commission’s grant.
“This grant positions Alabama at the forefront of education innovation,” he said. “By expanding high-quality public charter options, we are ensuring that more students have access to high-quality public education options and an opportunity to thrive in schools designed for their success.”
New Schools for Alabama CEO Tyler Barnett said their grant will be used to help charter school operators fund facilities. “This second award expands upon the impact and track record NSFA has in developing and supporting a fast-growing, high-quality charter school sector in Alabama. This award will help us advance our mission to address the funding inequities faced by Alabama charter schools and ensure access to excellent public schools for all students,” Barnett said.
Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, chairs the House Education Policy Committee and sponsored the 2015 charter school law.
“Strong schools are the foundation of strong communities. By investing in innovative education, we are investing in the future workforce and prosperity of our state,” Collins said.
Updated 12:30 p.m. to include comment from New Schools for Alabama CEO Tyler Barnett
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