When it comes to funding public education, every dollar matters. That means a school system’s leadership must constantly look for new and innovative ways to both fund and live up to a mission of stewardship.
The Jefferson County Board of Education (JEFCOED) in Birmingham, Alabama, delivers on that promise to students, parents and its thousands of employees. A big part of that success comes from adroit management in a complex environment.
It also means having a trusted, ongoing source for financial solutions, as well as a full range of capabilities and advice. And that’s where Regions Bank stepped in to help.
Turning Everyday Spending into Financial Impact
Through Regions’ commercial card program, JEFCOED generated a $235,731.49 rebate in 2025 — funds that were reinvested to support key priorities.
“We have a lot of moving parts,” said Millia McCarty, director of general ledger for JEFCOED. “You’re always concerned about how to pay for things correctly. That means following the laws, bidding correctly, and deciding when to use a check versus a card.”
The commercial card program is designed to bring structure and efficiency to that complexity – supporting payables, travel, and expense management across the district. At the same time, it enables JEFCOED to get more value from activity already essential to operations.
“The rebate goes into our general fund,” McCarty said. “We use it to support initiatives. In general, our focus is the kids – every dollar helps.”
According to Thomas Morse, Regions Treasury Management relationship manager, that dual benefit is what makes the program especially effective.
“It’s not just a matter of the card helping JEFCOED operate more efficiently,” he said. “It actually becomes a true revenue source – one of the few places where a school system can generate incremental dollars and put them back into the organization. Not only does this program help them, but they enjoy more flexibility when it comes to funding. It’s something meaningful to JEFCOED.”
Built Around the Needs of Public Education
But the rebate is only part of a broader story. JEFCOED has a long‑standing banking relationship with Regions, rooted in the bank’s experience with how school systems operate and its ability to deliver a full range of financial capabilities to support their mission.
“The differentiator for our clients is the specialized way Regions approaches this segment,” said Derek Johnson, Government and Institutional Banker for Alabama at Regions.
“We bring our full range of capabilities in both the lending and treasury management space, rather than individual components. And we deliver those solutions in a relationship-based way, in person, locally throughout our footprint. The result is that we have deep relationships with about half of the school systems in Alabama, as well as in a number of other states, and we follow a model we can easily replicate and implement on a broader scale.”
On the face of it, Regions is helping meet banking needs. But providing these banking solutions helps these school systems effectively manage revenue to invest in their students’ achievement and success – and that translates to a brighter future for all involved.
Kirk McCulley, Regions Commercial Card consultant
Banking on Education for Stronger Communities
While the primary goal of any school system is to invest in students, the return on that investment ultimately extends far beyond classroom walls. Strong schools help create strong communities – which is another primary motivation for the Regions banking team.
“One of the most rewarding things about serving great organizations like the Jefferson County Board of Education and other school systems is that we are collectively working together to have a direct impact on local communities,” said Kirk McCulley, Regions Commercial Card consultant. “On the face of it, Regions is helping meet banking needs. But providing these banking solutions helps these school systems effectively manage revenue to invest in their students’ achievement and success – and that translates to a brighter future for all involved.”