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Home My WebLink About08-18-2026 City Council Public Input MeetingSTATE OF ALABAMA ) COUNTY OF BALDWIN ) The City Council met in a Public Input Meeting at 5:30 p.m., Fairhope Municipal Complex Council Chamber, 161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532, on Tuesday, 18 August 2026. Present were Council President Jimmy Conyers, Councilmembers: Jack Burrell, Joshua Gammon, Jay Robinson, and Andrea Booth, Mayor Sherry Sullivan, and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks. City Attorney Marcus E. McDowell was absent. There being a quorum present, Council President Conyers called the meeting to order. The invocation was given by Lead Pastor Chris Bell with 3 Circle Church, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Council President Conyers gave a quick overview of the process for tonight's meeting: he will begin with an opening statement, Mayor and Councilmembers will give comments next, each group will have five minutes to present, and then we will open the public hearing. Council President Conyers explained the background of a Fairhope City School System. He said there were two studies done: one commissioned by the School Group and was told a separate school system was feasible and without a tax increase; and one approved by the City Council and was told a separate school system was not feasible without a tax increase. Council President Conyers said he was interested in putting this out for a referendum for the citizens to choose whether or not they wanted an independent school system. He stated under current State law, this was not allowed; and the only way to form an independent City School System is for the City Council to vote on it. Council President Conyer said then we thought about doing a non -binding referendum but found out we cannot use and City resources or funds to hold a non -binding referendum. He stated that is how we got to where we are today. Council President Conyers commented we do not know how many people want a separate school system or how large the group is, so we are here to solicit feedback: "Is this something the citizen want us to pursue?" Council President Conyers said there are pros and cons to both sides. He said his girls went to Fairhope Public Schools; one is a senior and one is in college. We had nothing but fantastic experience the whole way with great teachers, coaches, and administrators. He asked everyone to be respectful to their friends and neighbors because there are different points of view. Council President Conyers recognized Senator Chris Elliott and Commissioner John "Tater" Harris who were in attendance. Tuesday, IS August 2026 Page -2- Mayor Sullivan thanked everyone for being here tonight. Mayor Sullivan stated we are all one community, are allowed to have various opinions, and knows there is a passion on both sides of this issue. She mentioned her whole family are products of Fairhope public schools. She also said there were pros and cons on either side of this issue. Mayor Sullivan said she hopes everyone can be respectful and have some good dialogue. Councilmember Burrell thanked everyone for being here tonight. He said his two children went through the public school system K through 12; he was member of FEEF and President two years. his father was a coach. He stated his mother was a high school teacher, and his father was a high school coach. Councilmember Burrell said he was here with an open mind; and wanted to learn in order to make an educated decision. He told everyone thank you for coming out and being so passionate about our schools. Councilmember Gammon stated he echoed what Council President Conyers said; and thinks he framed it up very well. He said everyone he has spoken with regarding this; the focus has always been what is the best thing for our children. Councilmember Gammon stated that this will be the number focus on his mind as he listens to all the feedback. He thanked everyone for being here. Councilmember Robinson thanked everyone for being here. He said that many people in the room either had an impact or currently having a significant impact on all of his children. Councilmember Robinson said he is incredibly invested in making our schools the best they can possibly be. He commented if we can create better educational opportunities for our children, whether academically, athletically, or otherwise, we have a responsibility to consider that. Councilmember Robinson said we have to understand how great we have it currently; and to justify this there has to be such strong support from the community. He thanked everyone again for being here tonight. Councilmember Booth said she was excited seeing everyone here; and will have an open mind. She stated that she has four generations from the Fairhope schools. Councilmember Booth commented that she has been pleased with our schools, but will be open-minded and willing to listen and learn from her citizens. The Community Group was given five minutes to present their side for a having an independent City school system. Amy Thompson spoke on behalf of the Group; and said this is a natural progression not a divorce and has been discussed for 25 years. She said in 2009 there was group that wanted a separate school system. Ms. Thompson said this will be a School Board vested in the community and focused on our priorities. Tuesday, 18 August 2026 Page -3- She stated we have great schools, but Fairhope has created that culture of excellence. Ms. Thompson commented that their study showed a significant surplus; and said their priorities are from athletics to expanded classrooms to other initiatives, and new equipment. She said this is a 36532 school system with all five schools; we are one Fairhope. (See video for full statement) Superintendent McRae thanked everyone for allowing them to be here; and also thanked the teachers for being here. He said over the past five years they have spent over $25 million in infrastructure buildings; and have project plan for athletics that is an $8 to $10 million dollar project. Superintendent McRae said they are actively looking for property; and need a new elementary school in Fairhope. He said that it is their duty to provide the best opportunity for all students and for all communities. Superintendent McRae ended with "we are better together." Jon Cardwell, principal of Fairhope High School, said our model our vision is to provide hope and opportunity. He said this plan or lack of a plan is built on hope. Mr. Cardwell said Fairhope High School is his heart; and that heart is Newton, Fairhope Falls, Ecor Rouge, and Downtown Fairhope. He said this is too big a gamble with all of our students' lives and tearing families apart for us to take a chance on maybe this (� work. The following individuals spoke during Public Participation: (See video for input and comments) 1. Laura Smith, 219 Orleans Drive, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. 2. Bethany Pierce, 108 Vivian Loop, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. 3. Corey Yonge, 111 Kiefer, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. 4. Matti Hamlin Waycaster, 407 Bartlett Avenue, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. 5. David Johnson, 16311 Wood Acres Road S., addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. 6. Rose Wiles, 21307 Rolling Oaks Drive, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. 7. Tom Carney, Quail Creek Subdivision, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. Catherine Dorrough, 705 Washington Drive, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. Tuesday, 18 August 2026 Page -4- 9. Gustavo Douaihi, 219 Orleans Drive, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. 10. Carlton Wiles, 21307 Rolling Oaks Drive, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. 11. Dev Wakeley, 8856 Lake View Drive, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. 12. Brent Wiles, 21307 Rolling Oaks Drive, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. 13. Breanaa Vivar, 21802 Yosemite Boulevard, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. 14. Vince Booth, 6541 Beaver Creek Drive, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. 15. Anna Hardy, 16717 Danne Road, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. 16. Melissa Brennan, 150 Easton Circle, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. 17. Haley Harbaugh, 11439 Caye Falls Street, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. 18. Laura Smith, 219 Orleans Drive, addressed the City Council again and mentioned capital assets; and pooled and direct expenses. 19. Katie Shurett, 390 Craftsman Avenue, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. 20. Gaynor Reynolds, 7 Audubon Place, addressed the City Council and did not say whether she was for or against a separate school system based on comments. 21. Eddie Tyler, 12225 County Road 1, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. 22. Anne Dorman, 724 South Mobile Street, addressed the City Council and did not say whether she was for or against a separate school system based on comments. 23. Candy Pilgrim, 11789 Hons Drive, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. 24. Matt Huffty, 22440 Sea Cliff Drive, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. 25. Debbie Haley, 6583 Willowbridge Drive, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. 26. Matt Gulisano, 20160 Pecan Trace, addressed the City Council and did not say whether he was for or against a separate school system based on comments. 27. Russell Wiles, resident of Silverhill, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system based on comments. Tuesday, 18 August 2026 Page -5- 28. Chesley Hughes, 709 Fairhope Avenue, addressed the City Council and did not say whether she was for or against a separate school system based on comments. 29. Vickie Watterson Bailey, 6525 Willowbridge Drive, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system but wants both sides to have dialogue. 30. Daniel Galbreath, 11248 Rosa Court, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system. 31. Rachel Robinson, 9870 Nix Lane, addressed the City Council and is against a separate school system. Senator Chris Elliott addressed the City Council and told them this is a lucky position to be in; and they are doing this right. Senator Elliott told them that he and his staff were available to answer questions. Cecil Christenberry, Baldwin County Board of Education member, addressed the City Council and said we are transitioning into a new Superintendent; and said he was concerned with the children outside the City limits. Mr. Christenberry said he knows the right decision will be made. He thanked everyone and said we are strong and proud. Mayor Sullivan went over the survey numbers. She said we had 11,000 surveys with 89% against a separate school system and 11 % for it. She said 54% of the children are in the system (City limits). Mayor Sullivan asked everyone who had not completed the survey to please do so. She thanked everyone for being here tonight; and we were here to listen to your voice. Mayor Sullivan said the City cannot charge an Impact Fee for schools, but the County could. She stated collaboration happens between the Baldwin County Board of Education and the City of Fairhope. Mayor Sullivan said were are a community that has passion for schools, kids, and educators. Councilmember Gammon commented that the data is important; and this is a complicated issue with multiple questions. He said there are 15,000 additional residents already approved. Councilmember Gammon thanked everyone for being here tonight and appreciated the dialogue. Councilmember Robinson said there were impressive speakers tonight; and the students were well spoken. He commented we have a passionate community with all issues; and facts change and information changes. He said we need to get it right. Councilmember Booth commented that it was not easy for the Committee Group. She said we heard your heart and felt love tonight. Council President Conyers thanked everyone for being here tonight. He said this was not intentional; and we need the right answer. Tuesday, 18 August 2026 Page -6- There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was duly adjourned at 8:02 p.m. )ieid ConyerCPresident 4isaHanks, MC City Clerk