The Alabama Board of Education held a work session on July 27, 2025, focusing on budgetary discussions and personnel costs within the Alabama State Department of Education. The meeting began with an overview of federal program funding, noting an increase attributed to the continuation of ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds, which are essential for managing personnel costs, particularly in light of retirements.

A board member requested a detailed breakdown of personnel costs, emphasizing the need for clarity regarding administrative and clerical expenses. The member highlighted that the total personnel cost of $144,000 is minimal compared to the overall personnel budget of nearly $28 million. They expressed the importance of understanding the allocation of these costs, especially as they relate to grants and benefits, which saw a significant increase from $3 million to $5 million.

The discussion included a commitment from the finance team to provide a detailed classification of personnel costs, including the number of units budgeted and their respective roles. This breakdown is intended to assist board members in addressing constituent inquiries regarding personnel expenditures.

The meeting also touched on the financial health of the department, with reports indicating that the budget is currently running at 62 to 64% utilization, suggesting a strong financial position as the fiscal year approaches its end. However, concerns were raised about future economic conditions, particularly in light of rising inflation.

Additionally, the board acknowledged the importance of the Numeracy Act and the increase in resources allocated to the Office of Math Improvement, which has expanded from 10.5 to 23 units to meet growing educational demands.

The session concluded with a break for lunch, with plans to reconvene for further discussions. Overall, the meeting underscored the board's focus on financial transparency and the effective allocation of resources to support educational initiatives in Alabama.