Montgomery, Ala. (WIAT) - There just isn't enough money coming in to meet Alabama's education budgets.

That's resulted in budget cuts also known as proration.

State leaders want to avoid further cutbacks and Governor Bob Riley believes that President Barack Obama's "Race to the Top" grant program could be the key.

But because of the weight applied in the application process, Alabama Superintendent of Education Dr. Joe Morton believes the state has a better chance of tapping $200 million if charter schools are allowed.

"I don't see this as a way to harm public education at all but rather to build more support around the concept of strong public schools."

Dr. Morton says adding charter schools doesn't mean overhauling education altogether. He says charter schools would be optional additions within existing school systems. This could give parents an alternative option for their struggling children.

And that's something A+ Alabama Initiative President Caroline Novak can get behind.

"All of our children can learn at high levels if we give them what they need. If we create a loving community and provide high quality and rigorous instruction."

The grant wouldn't be for charter schools alone. The money would apply to the entire education budget and that means expanding advances placement programs and the Alabama Reading Initiative.

But if the state is serious about maximizing its chances to capitalize on the grant, then legislators will have to move fast and approve a bill allowing charter schools in Alabama.

The deadline to submit the application is January 19th. If the bill is not passed before the end of the session then the state will have a second chance to apply on June 1st.