The Making of NSFA: Meet Melanie Haynes

The team at New Schools for Alabama stands out as a beacon of innovation and commitment to educational equity. In this series, The Making of New Schools for Alabama, we will delve into the stories of those who help drive this transformative organization as we unveil the diverse backgrounds, unique insights, and relentless dedication that make up our dynamic team. Meet Melanie Haynes, Senior Director of Accounting.

If you ask Melanie Haynes about her proudest titles, “Senior Director of Accounting” might be near the top—but “mom” and “grandmother” will always win. “I have a great husband, Chip, and we have three beautiful and amazing daughters, a son-in-law, and two of the most precious grandsons,” she says with a smile. Kayla, 29, is mom to Kooper (4) and Kash (2); Allie, 21, is entering her senior year at Auburn; and Holly, 19, is starting her sophomore year at Coastal College. Though they’re spread out geographically, Melanie cherishes every opportunity for family time. “Besides being parents, grandparents has been one of the greatest joys God has given us. We try and see them as much as we can because time goes by so fast.”

Melanie’s career path into school finance was both unexpected and deeply intentional. After staying home with her two youngest daughters, she was ready to re-enter the workforce. “All three of mine were going to be at the same private school, and when I registered the youngest, I asked the front office if they were hiring. They hired me on the spot as their receptionist.” That role opened doors—first helping the bookkeeper, then transitioning to Pike Road Schools just before its opening. From receptionist to local school bookkeeper, then to Central Office, Melanie steadily built her expertise. In 2021, when then-CSFO Russell Raney invited her to join NSFA, she didn’t hesitate. “It was a no-brainer… I had just had a new grandbaby, and this meant I would be able to spend more time with him. This job keeps me so busy, but I love being challenged.”

Having worked in both private and public school systems, Melanie understands the unique challenges Alabama’s charter schools face. “Working in private school is a lot easier financially because you have tuition coming in and the rules are more flexible… Public schools are a lot more challenging due to lack of funding, especially in the charter world. There are so many needs that these schools have, especially new startups.” She takes pride in helping schools get creative with their resources, finding ways to make every dollar count.

When advising new school leaders, Melanie is candid: “The biggest thing would be to not over hire and to listen to your CSFO’s advice… We also see wasted funds spent on appearance rather than curriculum—that is very frustrating to see.” She stresses the importance of constant communication between leadership and finance teams: “Have the conversations on the front end before you make any finance decisions rather than being too late and having to figure out how they are going to undo what they have done.”

For Melanie, the most rewarding part of her work at NSFA is simple: “Seeing schools succeed in every aspect… It’s really cool to see how they were when we started with them and where they are now.” Looking ahead, she hopes for changes in funding equity: “The biggest change would be for them to receive local funds. It is not a fair playing ground when they are not funded as all other public schools.”

Outside of work, Melanie’s happiest moments are spent with her grandsons or traveling. And if she could instantly master a new skill? “Golf—because it is a relaxing and rewarding sport.”

Whether she’s balancing a budget, mentoring school leaders, or savoring precious family time, Melanie approaches each role with dedication, wisdom, and heart—helping to ensure Alabama’s charter schools have the financial stability to thrive.