Cullman County Schools board adopts $140 million 2025–26 budget; state funds largely earmarked

The Cullman County Schools Board voted to adopt the district’s 2025–26 budget after a final public hearing on Sept. 11. Superintendent Dr. Barnett moved the measure and the board passed it by voice vote.

Miss Barreman, who presented the final budget, said average daily membership fell about 4.8% and total units declined roughly 3.6, which affected staffing units at some schools. She told the board state foundation funds increased by about $159,000, but most of the overall $1.4 million increase the district reported stems from the local 10-mill match, not new, unrestricted state dollars. “It is up 3.6, but it’s all for a specific purpose,” Barreman said, referring to funds earmarked for pre-K, textbooks, after-school and the RAISE program.

Barreman outlined program and staffing changes inside the RAISE consolidation, noting the district will have more building-based reading and math coaches next year. She also described capital and special funds: fleet renewal provides roughly $7,581 per bus (about half the purchase cost), so the district plans to pay cash for upcoming buses to avoid financing. The district reported approximately $10.6 million in A&T supplemental funds already received and an $18 million grant included in the capital projects beginning balance.

On expenditures, Barreman said general fund spending rises about 11.9% in the proposed budget: salaries grow roughly 3% (step increases), benefits about 10% mainly because of PEHIP and retirement rate increases, and purchase services appear up about 25% after reclassifying some positions between funds. She estimated the general fund would end the year with about $33 million and roughly 91 days of reserve.

After discussion about earmarked revenues, Dr. Barnett recommended approval. The board approved the budget by voice vote.