The Alabama Association of School Boards has once again partnered with the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) to gauge Alabama residents' views on important themes in public education.

Released today, PARCA's Public Opinion Survey: 2019 Edition reveals that Alabamians rate education as a top priority among major state services and believe too little is being spent on education.

While nearly 70 percent of respondents said they would be willing to support higher taxes to increase education funding, no single tax-increase option (property, sales or Internet purchases) garnered majority support.

Key Findings

• 82% believe the education budget should be kept separate from the General Fund.
• 74% believe the state spends too little on education.
• 69% support paying higher taxes increase education funding, but no single option garners majority support.
• 72% support earmarking potential lottery revenue for education.
• 36% believe teacher compensation is a top priority for new education spending.
• While 50% say high school graduates who have not attended college or post-secondary school are not prepared to enter the workforce, only 32% believe every child should plan to complete a four-year degree.
• 55% believe local boards of education are best equipped to make spending decisions.