By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – The State Board of Education is proposing a new budget beginning next October 1. It would include almost $3.7 billion in state money for kindergarten through 12th grade as well as for the Alabama two-year college system. The spending proposal is about $250 million more than current spending levels. State Superintendent Joe Morton told the board last week the budget would broaden and better each school in Alabama. The board's budget proposal also asks Governor Riley to seek money from the Legislature to hire almost 700 more teachers, assistant principals, counselors and librarians statewide.