“Protect the Education Trust Fund”

The Hoover Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution at tonight’s board meeting, opposing any efforts the legislature might make to move money from the Education Trust Fund (ETF) to the General Fund or to unify the state’s two budgets.

The resolution, read aloud by Superintendent Dr. Kathy Murphy, was straightforward and to the point.

After the vote, board member Craig Kelley urged everyone in attendance to contact their legislators and the Governor.

“You have the power. Every one of you can contact your legislators. Let them know what you think.”

“They’re going to get to the Education Trust Fund,” Kelley warned, adding that if they divert money out of the ETF, they’re not going to ever move it back, he proclaimed.

Kelley also cautioned that if the federal government requires a fix for the overburdened prison system, the ETF becomes “very very vulnerable”.

“No matter how much they tell you we have the money, just ask the teachers who haven’t had a raise.”

Teacher pay has not been increased since the 2007-2008 school year, with the exception of a 2% raise during the 2013-2014 school year. Many say the raise ultimately was a wash as teachers were required to contribute more for their health insurance and retirement costs.

Kelley pleaded with attendees, asking them “please use your power. I intend to let them hear from me. I hope you’ll do the same thing.”

You can find your legislators names and contact information at this link.

Murphy authored the resolution and said to the best of her knowledge, no other school boards in Alabama have yet passed a similar resolution.

Murphy has been at the helm of Hoover City Schools since June. She was the superintendent for Monroe County Schools for four years prior to moving to Hoover.