Alabama School Superintendent to ask for more security guards

The Alabama Department of Education wants more money for school security and other programs next year. The Montgomery Advertiser reported that State Schools Superintendent Eric Mackey says he wants more money for reading and math programs, as well as for pre-kindergarten special education. Mackey says additional funding is also needed for transportation and school nurses. The Superintendent told the state board of education that the $30 million for school nurses would not add one nurse in Alabama. He said state funding for the nurses would free up local money for other programs. Mackey has not put together a formal budget request yet. He says the proposals came from priorities recommended by school board members and superintendents. The legislature reconvenes in March and will consider a new education budget.