The Huntsville Police Department and local nonprofit Free 2 Teach have announced plans for a major summer event—the After School Bash, scheduled for Saturday, June 7, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Big Spring Park. Designed as a celebration of educators and students, the Bash also serves a deeper purpose: collecting vital school supplies for Huntsville-area public school teachers. In a press conference held in teacher Michelle Cunningham’s Morris Middle School classroom, leaders from both organizations emphasized the event’s significance in light of growing gaps in educational funding.

Investing in Classrooms—and Communities

The After School Bash will offer a family-friendly afternoon filled with bounce houses, local food trucks, vendor booths, live entertainment, and police-led activity zones. Guests are encouraged to bring donations of school supplies to help “Stuff the Squad Car,” with all items going to Free 2 Teach for direct distribution to public school educators.

“When we invest in our teachers, we invest in our students—ultimately investing in the future of our City,” said HPD South Precinct Commander, Captain Chris Riley. “A well-supported classroom can unlock potential and give a student the confidence they need to believe in themselves, and that’s a kind of safety and empowerment that no badge alone can provide.”

Free 2 Teach CEO Alison Kling echoed the sentiment, pointing to the long-standing partnership between the nonprofit and HPD. “Our partnership with the Huntsville Police Department makes a significant impact on thousands of students and teachers,” Kling said. “The After School Bash will be a joyful community celebration with a powerful purpose: gather supplies to equip teachers and fill classrooms so that every child across our public schools has access to an equitable and excellent education.”

However, Kling is quick to point out that excellent education doesn’t come cheap. “National surveys suggest teachers spend between $750 to $1,500 each year on school supplies. In the last two years, we’ve seen prices increase by 24 percent,” she said, “Last year alone, Free 2 Teach gave away over $1.7 million in school supplies.”

A Crisis in Public School Funding

The timing of this community-driven effort comes as Alabama’s public education system faces major financial uncertainty. According to the Alabama Education Association, if the state’s supplemental education budget had followed historical funding splits—typically 68% for K-12 and 26% for higher education—public K-12 schools could have received $2.4 billion. Instead, they received less than half that amount. (Source)

In 2022, 261,000 students were enrolled in Alabama’s public colleges, while over 700,000 students were enrolled in K-12 schools. Advocates argue that the current allocation is imbalanced and fails to meet the rising operational costs of K-12 districts, which must now make up funding shortfalls in everything from transportation to textbooks.

State Superintendent Eric Mackey recently warned that Alabama could face a transportation funding crisis within five years, stating, “A new school bus now averages about $160,000. State funding covers 54% of that cost, down from 85% to 90% at one point.”

Meanwhile, new state initiatives like the CHOOSE Act—a school voucher program—and the RAISE Act, which adjusts teacher compensation, have stirred debate about their long-term impact. Critics warn these programs may divert funds from already under-resourced public schools, while supporters argue they offer parents greater flexibility.

Cuts on the Federal Level

At the national level, the outlook is no better. The President’s proposed FY26 budget includes a $12 billion cut to the U.S. Department of Education—a 15.3% reduction. The proposal would eliminate key programs such as TRIO, GEAR UP, and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, which support low-income and first-generation students. It would also consolidate 18 K-12 grant programs into one streamlined fund, while increasing funding for charter schools by $60 million.

According to the budget, this restructuring aims to reduce federal oversight and give states more control. But education advocates argue that removing these support programs undermines equity, especially for marginalized communities and underfunded schools.

Section 256 and the State’s Role

Compounding the issue is Section 256 of the Alabama Constitution, which defines the state’s educational policy as fostering education “consistent with its available resources” but stops short of guaranteeing a right to publicly funded education, stating:

“It is the policy of the state of Alabama to foster and promote the education of its citizens in a manner and extent consistent with its available resources, and the willingness and ability of the individual student, but nothing in this Constitution shall be construed as creating or recognizing any right to education or training at public expense.”

As public funding becomes more unpredictable, community initiatives like the After School Bash are becoming not just helpful—but essential.

Get Involved

The After School Bash will be held Saturday, June 7, from 4–8 p.m. at Big Spring Park. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend and donate supplies.

To support Free 2 Teach, visit free2teach.org to make a donation, view volunteer opportunities, or learn more about their mission to equip Alabama’s teachers.