Approximately four years ago, the Alabama Community Education Fund was cut. But the Alabama legislature is attempting to redeem itself by awarding $250,000 to state coordinators.

“They gave us $250,000 that will be divided among 60 coordinators in the state,” community education director Barbara Hill said. “This will ensure that we will keep the current positions we have.”

Hill said the money will not go to the community directly, but will allow the school system to use its funds for community involvement.

“It frees the system to use their money on other things,” Hill said. “They can provide services for students and have parent dinners.”

The money can also be used to work with community groups that volunteer their services with schools, Hill said.

Although the funds taken away and the funds given have yet to be balanced, Hill said she is thankful for any improvements in the budget.

“I am excited because I want to get back to where we were before the cuts,” Hill said, “and we are trying real hard to work with the legislature.”