VALLEY – On Monday, the Valley Council unanimously approved a funding agreement between the city and the Chambers Board of Education for the construction of a new consolidated high school in Valley.
The Chambers County Board of Education proposed building a new high school to serve all public education students in Chambers County. The city supports public education in the county and its residents who attend the board’s schools.
City Clerk Kathy Snowden read the following resolution:
“Whereas the city has donated, or will donate, certain real property within the city where the new high school will be built. This further demonstrates the city’s commitment to supporting public education for its residents and the new high school project.
At the request of the board, the city has agreed to execute the attached funding agreement to assist with the financing and operation of the new high school.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Valley, Alabama, as follows:
1. The funding agreement between the city and the board is hereby approved, authorized, ratified, and confirmed.
2. The mayor is authorized and directed to execute and deliver said agreement in the name and on behalf of the City of Valley. The City Clerk is also authorized to attest to the agreement.
3. The mayor and city officials are hereby authorized and directed to take necessary actions, execute, deliver, and perform all agreements, documents, instruments, notices, and proceedings with respect to the funding agreement, as determined necessary or desirable by the mayor and such officials,” read Snowden.
Following the vote, Valley Mayor Leonard Riley further explained the agreement:
“We’re doing this because the State Department of Education has turned down the Board of Education’s request to build the high schools. They asked the city to cover some of the expenses. After reviewing their budget, I find it to be sound, and we are in good financial shape ourselves. We will cover up to one and a half million dollars if there is a shortfall, but we will not provide funding unless it is needed. I believe their budget is robust enough to manage without problems. Of course, hard times could arise, but we’re prepared to assist if necessary,” said Riley.
The city will be committed to funding up to one and a half million dollars for at least one year if the Chambers Board of Education faces a shortfall. “Their budget looks solid, and I don’t expect any shortages,” added Riley.
Councilmember Jimmy Gilson inquired, “The agreement mentions an annual appropriation. Is this the total amount we are obligated to?”
Riley responded, “Only if they come up short, and I don’t think they will.”
