Montgomery County Board of Education adopts $739 million FY2026 budget unanimously

The Montgomery County Board of Education on Sept. 11 unanimously approved the superintendent's recommended fiscal year 2026 original budget after a public presentation and budget hearing. The district presented total proposed revenues of $739,000,008.62 across all funds and general fund operating expenditures of $294,641,009.21.

Pamela Watkins, the presenting staff member, opened the hearing by emphasizing the district's role in preparing students for the workforce and military and noting prior financial instability at the district when she arrived. "Funding public education is important because our students are our future," Watkins said during the presentation.

The budget presentation outlined the district's revenue mix, spending priorities and financial reserves. The district said about 67% of general fund revenues come from the state of Alabama and about 32.4% come from local sources. Watkins said the state-funded foundation program is estimated to cost $193,000,000.57 based on units awarded; the state portion the district…