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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-06-2026 Evaluating the Feasibility of a Fairhope City School System _ News List _ City of Fairhope, ALNEWS LIST Evaluating the Feasibility of a Fairhope City School System Post Date:08/06/2026 7:36 AM FAIRHOPE, Alabama – Over the past six months, the City of Fairhope has completed a feasibility study conducted by Criterion to determine whether it would be financially feasible to separate from the Baldwin County Public School System and establish an independent city school system. Recent discussions were prompted, in part, by a group of local parents who commissioned a self-funded school feasibility study through PARCA. Baldwin County has precedent for this type of transition. Both Gulf Shores City Schools and Orange Beach City Schools were created after separating from the Baldwin County Public School System. It is important to emphasize that Fairhope officials are pleased with the performance of our schools. Fairhope has outstanding teachers, dedicated administrators, supportive parents, and students who consistently perform at a high level. This discussion is not a criticism of our schools or the people who make them successful. However, the idea of creating a city school system has remained a recurring topic of conversation within our community for many years. The two reasons most often cited by residents are the desire for greater local control over educational decisions and the opportunity to improve and expand athletic facilities. For many years, municipalities have also expressed concern about their ability to invest in schools located within their city limits. Local officials were often told that the county could not support improvements to facilities unless similar investments could be made throughout the county. While understandable from a countywide perspective, this philosophy frequently prevented communities with the financial ability and willingness to invest more heavily in their own schools from doing so. For this reason, approximately five years ago, the Baldwin County Public School System proposed the creation of three-mill tax districts. Fairhope became the first municipality in Baldwin County to adopt a three-mill district, approving the agreement without a single revision. Fairhope voters then approved the measure with the highest margin of support of any three-mill district in the county. Today, the Fairhope Public Schools Commission, working alongside our school principals, determines how those local funds are invested. The program has made a meaningful difference by providing resources that directly benefit our students, teachers, and schools. More recently, as discussion about a potential Fairhope City School System has gained momentum, the Baldwin County Board of Education has approached the city regarding possible partnerships to invest in athletic facilities. We appreciate the willingness to have those conversations and view them as a positive development. This is not the first time Fairhope has explored the possibility of operating its own school system. Similar discussions occurred during previous mayoral administrations and through earlier community initiatives such as the "Good to Great" effort. At those times, however, the Baldwin County school system enjoyed broad community support, strong Eastern Shore representation on the Board of Education, and significant local influence in decision-making. While much has changed over the years, one thing has not: Fairhope remains committed to providing the very best educational opportunities for our children. As city leaders, we believe it is our responsibility to listen to our citizens and carefully evaluate issues that could have a lasting impact on our community. We recognize that establishing a city school system would carry significant financial, operational, and governance responsibilities. It could also have implications for taxpayers and city services. For that reason, no decision has been made. Instead, we are beginning a public conversation. We want to hear from parents, teachers, school employees, students, business owners, taxpayers, and all members of our community. Your input will help determine whether creating a Fairhope City School System is in the community's long-term best interest. To encourage public participation, the city has created a dedicated email address where residents may submit comments. You may email fairhopecityschools@fairhopeal.gov (mailto:fairhopecityschools@fairhopeal.gov). We will also host a series of public meetings to provide information, answer questions, and receive feedback. Public Meeting Schedule Tuesday, August 18, 5:30 p.m., City Council Chambers, overflow in lobby (Live stream) Sunday, August 23, 5:30 p.m., City Council Chambers, overflow in lobby (Live stream) Wednesday, September 9, 5:30 p.m., City Council Chambers, overflow in lobby (Live stream) Return to full list >> (/about-us/advanced-components/news-list) An online survey is available for those who are unable to attend a meeting in person at http://www.fairhopeal.gov/community/city-school-consideration (http://www.fairhopeal.gov/community/city-school-consideration). A summary of the public input received during this process will be presented to the Fairhope City Council at its September 28 meeting. This is an important decision that deserves thoughtful discussion, careful analysis, and broad community involvement. We encourage every resident to learn about the issue, ask questions, and share their perspective as we evaluate what is best for Fairhope's future. For the latest information, including the feasibility study, public meeting details, frequently asked questions and the community survey, visit www.fairhopeal.gov/community/city-school-consideration (http://www.fairhopeal.gov/community/city-school-consideration).