Addie McCluskey
Elmore Autauga News
Autauga County Schools (ACS) hosted a State of Schools presentation, May 6, 2026, through a live stream on YouTube, discussing developments across the district, including the potential construction of a new Prattville High School.
Superintendent Lyman Woodfin addressed public questions following recent discussions with the Prattville City Council and the Autauga County Commission regarding a possible partnership to help fund the project.
“The positive is that at least we’re having these conversations,” said Woodfin. “We’re finally working together with the county commission, City of Prattville, and the board of education. We’re all trying to pull in the same direction of the non-negotiable… we cannot continue the way that we are.”
According to Woodfin, the worst-case estimate to fund a new high school would be approximately $9 million annually. The school board has requested $6 million from the City of Prattville, with additional support potentially coming from the county commission.
“What I would hope is if that agreement happens, I can then take the pledge and be able to secure federal and state grants,” said Woodfin. “Right now, that’s what’s killing me is at the grant level. They want to see a partnership at the local level.”
Woodfin explained that ACS does not currently qualify independently for the bond needed to fund a new high school, not because the system cannot afford the payments, but because it lacks the millage and collateral required to secure the bond without outside partnership.
As discussions continue, the City of Prattville is considering the possibility of creating a city school system. Officials with the city have indicated that the long-term costs associated with joining a funding agreement with ACS could make establishing an independent system a more beneficial option financially.
“I’m not pushing for either one,” said Woodfin. “What I’m pushing for is that we have to do something. The growth in Pine Level is coming whether you like it or not. The buildings in Prattville, a lot of them, are 100 years old. These issues are here. How are we going to fix them?”
Woodfin said the district has explored several possibilities, including a hybrid city-county school system model, constructing a new Marbury Middle School, and building a new Prattville Junior High School. However, he believes a new high school located on the Central Alabama Community College campus would address many of the district’s largest challenges while also improving workforce development opportunities.
“I’m going to keep on chugging on,” said Woodfin. “I hope people see that by now. I’m not going to just take no for an answer. We’re going to keep looking for ways because that’s the job. I’ve got to figure out how to get our kids and our staff what they need.”
To see more on the State of Schools presentation, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5eqlGaDHUE. For previous coverage on this topic, visit Prattville officials weigh $6 million annual ask for new high school.
