Alabama Public Charter School Commission gets grant of nearly $30 million

The Alabama Public Charter School Commission has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The grant is for $29,964,656 over five years through the U.S. Department of Education’s Charter School Program Grants to State Entities.

The money will be used to support the creation, growth and strengthening of public charter schools across Alabama, with $27 million dedicated to subgrants for 23 charter schools, the APCSC said.

Alabama was one of six states to receive the grant. The APCSC anticipates the grant will enable Alabama charter schools to serve more than 10,000 students statewide.

“This award from U.S. Department of Education allows us to open more doors for children across Alabama, especially those who haven’t always had access to schools designed for their success,” Logan Searcy, APCSC executive director, said. “It gives us the chance to expand high-quality charter schools and empower educators to bring forward educational models that spark learning and inspire excellence. We embrace this investment with care and responsibility, knowing every decision we make must honor our purpose to prepare students for bright and promising futures.”

Since its establishment in 2015 following the Alabama School Choice and Student Opportunity Act, APCSC has authorized 25 charter schools across the state, including 18 start-ups and seven expansions.

Over the course of this five-year grant, APCSC will work to expand the reach and impact of public charter schools across the state. This includes authorizing 23 schools in five new counties and supporting 475 school leaders and staff.

“This grant positions Alabama at the forefront of education innovation. By expanding high-quality public charter options, we are ensuring that more students have access to high-quality public education options and an opportunity to thrive in schools designed for their success,” Alabama State School Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey said. “This investment reflects our commitment to strong communities, strong families, and above all, strong futures for Alabama’s children.”