The Scottsboro City Board of Education approved its fiscal year 2026 budget Monday night following a presentation by Chief School Financial Officer Quinette Bruno. The presentation highlighted enrollment trends, state and federal funding, capital projects and long-term financial stability for Scottsboro City Schools.
Bruno noted that district-wide student numbers are up from last year. Since the state’s funding for teaching units is tied to average daily membership, she emphasized that stronger enrollment provides the system with greater financial support.
The budget allocates ETF Advancement and Technology funds to a wide range of district needs, including maintenance and system purchases, curriculum software, copiers and paper, insurance for buildings and transportation, technology software and equipment, and reimbursement for school resource officers. Specific projects include fencing at Collins Intermediate School and Trammel Stadium, digital radios for Nelson and Caldwell Elementary Schools, and a new playground designed for special education students.
Capital projects for the year include electrical upgrades, land improvements connected to baseball and softball field projects, and the ongoing Bynum renovation. Bruno projected that the capital fund will hold a balance of $2.7 million at the end of the 2026 fiscal year.
Bruno cautioned that Scottsboro City Schools is not expected to receive Title V-B rural and low-income funds this year. Those dollars have traditionally supported technology programs at Scottsboro Junior High and Scottsboro High, as well as English language learning staff, instructional coaches, intervention teachers, special education aides, and Child Nutrition Program services. She reported that the CNP is expected to carry a $213,000 balance by Oct. 1, reflecting steady progress toward maintaining a one-month reserve.
Bruno also highlighted positive news in the district’s debt fund, noting that Scottsboro is on track to eventually be debt-free. A separate review of local unrestricted funds showed SCS emergency reserves at just over $8.3 million as of July 2025, with projections topping $10 million by 2026.
While revenues were up overall, Bruno reported that expenditures are projected to exceed revenues by $2.8 million. She emphasized, however, that the system’s strong reserves are able to absorb the shortfall without disruption to services or programs.
