The Alabama House of Representatives last week approved a bond issue of more than $1 billion to provide building funds for public school systems in the state.

Included in the bond issue is $3.6 million in funding for Cherokee County schools.

Rep. Richard Lindsey (D-Centre) serves as chairman of the House Education Appropriations Committee and is sponsor of the bill.

“This spending program is an historic opportunity to ensure that Cherokee County schools are able to facilitate 21st century teaching and learning,” Lindsey said.

“This is the best and largest bond issue ever passed by the House of Representatives,” Lindsey said. “It provides $3.6 million for Cherokee County schools. That’s nearly two and a half times more funding than the governor proposed last year.”

“Rep. Lindsey has been unrelenting in his commitment to ensure that every school system in the state receives their fair share from this bond issue,” said Speaker Seth Hammett (D-Andalusia). “His diligence in this process has paid off not only for the Cherokee County School System, but also for every school system throughout the state.”

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. If passed, it would be the first bond issue for education construction in Alabama since 1998.

School Superintendent Brian Johnson said he is pleased that Cherokee County schools may get $3.6 million, but the school system still needs a continuing source of revenue to meet its needs.

A special election is set for this summer, which would renew the ad valorem taxes the school system receives. It is not a new tax, but will renew five existing taxes at once for the next 30 years.

Lindsey was proud that Cherokee County was able to secure the funding it did.

“We worked hard to make sure that our schools got their fair share,” Lindsey said. “I’m thrilled that Brian Johnson and the board of education will have this money at their disposal to help levy against future bonds if they so choose.”

“This bond issue puts the money where it’s needed most -- in our K-12 public schools. In fact, that’s where nearly 75 percent of the money is going,” Lindsey said