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Home My WebLink About02-04-2026 Fairhope Public Schools Commission Meeting MinutesFairhope Public Schools Commission February 4, 2026 Fairhope West Elementary School Members present: David Johnson, Joe Kelley, Carrie Mackey, Vickie Bailey, Paul Hannon, Kathy Sternenberg, Tricia Gunnells, Chad Lagrone, Scott Fraser Members absent: None Principals and School Staff present: Christina Stacey- Fairhope East Elementary; Tonya Harrelson and Erica Lee- J. Larry Newton Elementary; Jenny Davis, Caroline Hollowell and Sydney Smith- Fairhope West Elementary; Angie Hall and Katie Shurett- Fairhope Middle School; John Cardwell- Fairhope High School School Board Staff present: Shane Martin, Patsy Chastang City Leaders present: Mayor Sherry Sullivan, Jimmy Conyers Guest: Corey Martin Chair David Johnson called the meeting to order at 4:30pm and the January 7th meeting minutes were approved. Introductions and Welcome- Our two newest Commission members, Chad Lagrone and Scott Fraser, where introduced to Principals and guests. J. Larry Newton Request Mrs. Harrelson requested to use K-1 funds to establish a Collaboration Lab for students and teachers at a cost of $71,199.90. - The cost includes furniture delivery/assembly/set-up, monitors, wiring, and installation. - Their current K-1 fund balance is $152,210. - These Collaboration labs would increase student communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and social skills leading to overall student growth. It would provide a dedicated space for teacher professional development and dedicated space for Professional Learning Communities. After hearing the beneﬁts and viewing rendering of the lab layouts a motion was made by Paul Hannon and seconded by Vicki Bailey. The motion passed. Presentation of 26-27 Projections by Shane Martin - Mr. Martin shared current revenue trends- 73% increase since the tax’s inception; 3% increase in this year’s budget compared to prior year collections; 3% projected increase in next year’s budget - He shared current revenue verses expenses. The conservative budgeting has resulted in an estimated reserve balance of $2.6 million as of the end of ﬁscal year 2025. Best practice is to create a strong reserve balance when 90% of expenditures are tied back to personnel costs. - In looking at comparisons of 25-26 to projected 26-27 revenue it was noted that Legislation passed last year limits valuation increases to only 7% per year (exclusions for new property) and abstracts are not yet available at the Revenue Commissioner’s oAice. However, there is a 3% projected increase in next year’s budget, or an additional $120,528 in revenue. Mr. Martin mentioned that 2026-2027 allocations aligning with current year budgets are appropriate. - Also discussed were the city contributions from the K-1 Building Transfer Fund. The full $1.5 million, per the agreement, has been received. As of December 2025, $1,138,110.63 million has been spent. This leaves $361,889.37 remaining to be spent. The commission shall award or distribute at their discretion. - Finally, Mr. Martin discussed the superior report card scores of all Fairhope schools noting “Promises made. Promises Kept!” J. Larry Newton- 99% A; Fairhope West- 99% A; Fairhope East- 95% A; Fairhope Middle- 93% A; Fairhope High School- 92%A. David Johnson adjourned the meeting at 5:01 p.m. The next meeting will be on March 4th at 4:30 p.m. at J. Larry Newton Elementary Respectfully submitted by Tricia Gunnells Commission Attendance 1/7 2/4 Vickie P P Tricia P P Paul P P David P P Joe P P Carrie P P Chad P P Scott P P Kathy P P