Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
City leaders spent more than two hours Monday evening for a scheduled work session, discussing the future of education in Autauga County, examining both the financial commitment being requested from Prattville and the infrastructure improvements that could be needed if a proposed high school is built near Central Alabama Community College.
Council President Michael Whaley read a request from Autauga County Schools Superintendent Lynn Woodfin asking the city to provide a clear financial commitment for education so the Board of Education can determine what is feasible for the future of Autauga County Schools.
The discussion centered on a proposed high school site near Central Alabama Community College and the costs associated with both the school project and the infrastructure needed to support future growth in the area.
“We still don’t know which direction we need to go as far as assisting with education,” Whaley said. “But if it is towards a funding agreement for a high school at that location, then this infrastructure and traffic study is an integral part of it because it’s going to have to be done at the same time.”
The city commissioned the traffic study several months ago after residents raised concerns about traffic conditions surrounding the proposed school site.
Scott Cauthen of Skipper Consulting presented a study, which evaluated existing traffic patterns and projected future growth from residential development, Central Alabama Community College and a potential high school.
According to the study, those developments could add approximately 5,400 vehicle trips per day to the Old Ridge Road corridor. Cauthen said traffic volumes could reach roughly 18,000 vehicles per day by 2030, placing the roadway at the threshold where additional lanes would likely be needed.
“That puts 18,000 cars each day on a two-lane road,” Cauthen said. “It’s right at the threshold of what we consider a critical element of adding additional lanes to the corridor.”
The study recommends widening portions of Old Ridge Road, modifying roundabouts and adding turn lanes to accommodate future traffic demands. City officials estimated the improvements could cost between $7 million and $8 million, not including potential upgrades at the Highway 31 intersection.
Cauthen also acknowledged that from a traffic-engineering perspective, Old Ridge Road would not be his first choice for a high school location because of the traffic demands it could create. However, he noted that his firm’s analysis focused solely on transportation concerns and did not consider whether other suitable sites may be available.
As council members reviewed the traffic study, they also discussed the city’s ability to participate financially in future educational projects.
Finance Director Daniel Oakley presented information on existing education funding, sales tax revenues and future financial capacity. Among the scenarios discussed was a potential funding model that could make approximately $3.3 million annually available for education-related purposes through existing revenue sources.
Oakley emphasized that the figure was presented as a discussion point only and is not an approved allocation.
Councilman Marcus Jackson said the financial presentation helped move the discussion beyond assumptions and provided a clearer picture of the city’s options.
“Having detailed financial data available helped move the discussion from speculation to facts,” Jackson said.
“My goal during the work session was simple: before the City Council can answer Superintendent Woodfin’s request, we needed to know what resources were available, what obligations existed, and what funding options were realistically on the table,” said Jackson.
Councilman Wade Newman said the conversation is ultimately about shaping Prattville’s future and determining what educational model best serves the community.
“What I see is Prattville going to a nimble and quick, reflexive, reactive city school system where we take a level of bureaucracy out and we’re able to chart our own course,” Newman said.
Mayor Bill Gillespie cautioned council members against making decisions that could affect the city’s ability to maintain essential services, invest in infrastructure and support employees.
“Education is important and I don’t want anybody to take from today that I’m not supporting education,” Gillespie said. “But when you have a problem as big as this, we cannot piecemeal it.”
Gillespie said any long-term solution must involve cooperation among local governments and education leaders.
“I think there is a pathway, but we have got to be able to come together with a partnership,” Gillespie said.
Whaley said plans are underway for a joint public meeting involving the Prattville City Council, Autauga County Commission and Autauga County Board of Education. The meeting is expected to be held at Central Alabama Community College, with CACC President Jeff Lynn serving as a facilitator.
The goal of the meeting is to bring all parties together to discuss education funding, facility needs and future options using the same information in a public setting.
Whaley said the community has spent years discussing educational needs and believes the time has come to identify a path forward.
“We’ve done a lot of studies,” Whaley said. “Something’s got to happen.”
No formal action was taken during Monday’s work session, but the meeting provided a clearer picture of the challenges ahead. Whether the solution involves a new high school, improvements to existing facilities or another path entirely, city leaders agreed that education and growth can no longer be discussed separately.
For previous coverage on the topic, visit Prattville Officials Weigh $6 Million Annual Ask For New High School.
To learn more about the discussion on June 22, a live recording of the meeting is available at 6-22-2026 City Council Work Session.
