To make an appropriation of $389,327 from the Education Trust Fund to Southern Preparatory Academy, formerly Lyman Ward Military Academy, in Camp Hill, Alabama for the support and maintenance of the educational program of the institution, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024; to provide that the appropriation is subject to certain provisions of the Code of Alabama 1975; to require an operations plan and an audited financial statement prior to the release of any funds; and to require an end of year report.
The bill mandates that before any funds are released, the academy must submit an operations plan along with an audited financial statement covering its operations for the previous fiscal year. This approach aims to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency in how the appropriated funds will be utilized. Furthermore, the bill imposes requirements for quarterly reporting on actual expenditures and accomplishments, culminating in a comprehensive end-of-year performance report. This structure is in line with guidelines set forth for state agencies in Alabama.
House Bill 172 appropriates a total of $389,327 from the Education Trust Fund to Southern Preparatory Academy, previously known as Lyman Ward Military Academy, located in Camp Hill, Alabama. This funding aims to support and maintain the academy's educational program for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. The bill specifies that the appropriation is subject to existing provisions under Alabama law and requires accountability measures to ensure proper use of funds.
While the bill is largely supportive of educational funding, it may raise questions about the appropriateness of directing state funds to a single institution. Opponents might argue that such appropriations could overlook broader issues in public education funding across the state. The conditional release of funds tied to performance metrics could also spark discussions around educational accountability and the balance of financial support versus educational outcomes. As the bill moves through the legislative process, it may invite scrutiny from various stakeholders in Alabama's educational landscape.