Phenix City Council doubles contribution to school system

The Phenix City Council has doubled its annual contribution to the Phenix City Board of Education, showing its support for the school system's effort to improve instruction in the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and math.

Mayor Eddie Lowe and fellow councilors presented superintendent Randy Wilkes, board president Brad Baker and other board members the $200,000 check at Central High School's football game Friday night in Garrett-Harrison Stadium.

During interviews Monday with the Ledger-Enquirer, the mayor and superintendent noted the donation furthers the cooperation between the two governing bodies. The wounded relationship started to heal after Lowe, a former school board member, took office in November 2012 and Wilkes was hired from Crenshaw County in June 2014.

Lowe said the $200,000 contribution is the most the council, which appoints the school board, has given the school system since the 1990s. The council appropriated $100,000 in each of the past two years.

"We've always wanted to be able to give more," Lowe said. "However, we have to operate too. I've been on both sides as a school board member and a council person. When I was on the school board, I thought the city could give more. But when you get on the inside and see how you have to operate the city, it's just not that simple."

That's why the superintendent said he is "elated" about the amount doubling instead of being disappointed that it isn't closer to the $1 million the school board requested.

"We realize everybody has a budget in which they have to live," Wilkes said. "We feel like the city has been gracious to us, and we're very appreciative of everything they do. As we continue to grow -- the city and school system -- and as we continue to do great things, that amount will continue to be greater."

For fiscal year 2016, the city's budget is $36.6 million (a 3.8 percent increase over FY2015) and the school system's budget is $72.9 million (an 8.4 percent increase over FY2015).

The five-member council unanimously decided to double the council's contribution to the school system, Lowe said, and it comes with no strings attached.

"They can do whatever they want with it," the mayor said. "It's up to them. We trust them. We're not going to earmark."

And school officials don't need any time to debate how to use the city's money. It is going toward the Friends of Phenix City Schools campaign, Wilkes said, which is trying to raise $1.1 million to help pay for the $2.1 million Dyer Family STEM Center at Phenix City Intermediate School and a $3.1 million expansion facility at Central High School.

The campaign is designed to also help fund the superintendent's i3 Initiative (standing for inquiry, innovation and impact). The school system spent $750,000 this year to equip each of the approximately 1,500 students and 100 teachers at PCIS (grades 6-7) and South Girard School (grade 8) with an iPad Air. The plan is to add grades 9-12 to the 1:1 electronic device program next school year.

The council's contribution brings the campaign's total to $660,000 in donations or commitments from more than 180 individuals or groups since the fundraising started June 18, according to Lara Beth Johns, the school system's public information manager.

Mark Rice, 706-576-6272. Follow him on Twitter@MarkRiceLE.

HOW TO DONATE

To help the Friends of Phenix City Schools reach its $1.1 million goal, contact Lara Beth Johns, the school system's public information manager, at 334-298-0534 or lbjohns@pcboe.net.

This story was originally published October 5, 2015 at 3:20 PM with the headline "Phenix City Council doubles contribution to school system ."