Interim two-year chancellor spreads funds to Ala. schools

DATELINE: MONTGOMERY Ala.

Interim two-year Chancellor Thomas Corts said Thursday he has allocated most of the $57.1 million in discretionary funds he inherited when he took office in August.

Former Chancellor Roy Johnson had already assigned the funds before he was placed on eight months of administrative leave on July 11, but those plans were canceled to ensure the money was spent appropriately.

Johnson was placed on leave amid concerns over a corruption probe and nepotism issues, and was fired with cause on Nov. 9 after board members said he had misled them about a $862,500 contract to purchase adult education software. Johnson has disputed the claims used to fire him.

Corts said all but $17,269,532 has been distributed to 22 entities within the system, including 17 colleges. The largest allocations are $20 million for work force training, $7.3 million for the Marion Military Institute, $5.4 million for the Alabama Technology Network, and $1 million for Gadsden State Community College.

The interim chancellor has said Johnson had rightful authority to make the previous arrangements, but that there were more commitments made than money was available.