County To Consider Giving $80K Toward Northside, TCHS Athletics

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa County Commission will take up a proposal at its regular meeting next Wednesday that could see funds set aside for athletic equipment and improvements for two county schools.

District 1 Commissioner Stan Acker told Patch on Friday that $80,000 in community development funds will be considered and, if passed, will be evenly split between Tuscaloosa County High School and Northside High School, with the principals from each school providing an itemized list of how the money will be spent.

The proposed funding for the two schools also comes after the Commission voted earlier this month to allocate $60,000 in discretionary funds to pay for building materials and supplies for ongoing renovation efforts for the Hillcrest High School football program.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

"Historically these programs raise a lot of money for these things through events, concession stands and sponsorships, but with the pandemic it's been difficult for them to do these events that traditionally helped provide funding for things," Acker said of TCHS and Northside. "We are very blessed with the commission that we have community development funds and think this is something we can come alongside and partner with the schools and provide some resources that will make a difference for lots of kids and lots of different programs."

Acker said Tuscaloosa County School System Superintendent Keri Johnson and principals from the schools could possibly address the Commission on Wednesday and hopes the coaches from each school will also help add clarity to what the funding will mean for their programs.

"The school system does a wonderful job with the academic side and are doing the best they can, so sometimes these athletic facilities don’t get all the attention they need," Acker said. "Hopefully this will be positive and everyone will see the benefit here."

Here's a breakdown of the funding for each school:

Northside High School

• 24 Riddell Speed Flex football helmets - $7,992
• 20 sets of Douglas shoulder pads - $5,180
• Hybrid volleyball system - $2,792
• Soccer nets - $526
• Soccer flags - $83
• Soccer agility set - $680
• Basketball breakaway rims - $1,764
• Softball drains - $5,000
• Track toe guard - $367
• Track concrete - $3,565
• Track aluminum circle - $4,252
• NFHS Pixelot system - $5,000
• Mobile baseball batting cage - $2,799

Tuscaloosa County High School

• Rubber flooring for the weight room - $25,000
• Speed area flooring - $7,000
• Painting - $6,000
• Landscaping - $2,000

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com