HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-10-2016 City Council Work Session Meeting MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA )(
COUNTY OF BALDWIN )(
The City Council met in a Work Session at 4:30 p.m.,
Delchamps Room, 161 North Section Street,
161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532, on
Monday, 10 October 2016.
Present were Council President Jack Burrell, Councilmembers: Diana Brewer
(arrived at 4:45 p.m.). Rich Mueller, and Kevin Boone, Mayor Timothy M. Kant, City
Attorney Marion E. Wynne (arrived at 4:40 p.m.), and City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks.
Councilmember Michael A. Ford and Mayor Timothy M. Kant were absent.
Council President Burrell called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
The following topics were discussed:
Elizabeth Hammock addressed the City Council regarding the proposed realignment
of the existing Elementary and Intermediate Schools into two PreK-6 schools. Ms.
Hammock said currently, Fairhope's feeder pattern consists of five schools, including
PreK-6 school J. Larry Newton. In an effort to better serve Fairhope students and
educators, it has been recommended that the Baldwin County Board of Education
(BCBE) realign the existing Elementary and Intermediate Schools into two PreK-6
schools. In so doing, our students (and educators) reap these benefits:
• Smaller class sizes in grades 4-6
• Improved teacherrstudent ratio
• Instructional continuity/continuity of curriculum
• Enhanced team teaching
• Stronger support of enrichment classes (art, music) via more flexible scheduling
• Smoother transition among all grade levels translating into increased student
leaming and improved standardized test scores
• Opportunity for mentorship among students
To date, this proposed realignment has been supported by:
• The Community Advisory Task Force
• The Fairhope Educational Advisory Committee
• Akribos via the recent Council-commissioned audit of the Fairhope feeder
pattern
• 521 petitioned signatures
• Feeder pattern principals and a multitude of teachers
• Superintendent, Mr. Eddie Tyler
Ms. Hammock requested support from all including the City Council. A public
hearing was questioned. Councilmember Mueller stated our community should have
input in the zoning. Ms. Hammock said this is a zoning and priority issue at this
time. Councilmember Boone and Councilmember-elect both stated they would
support it. Bob Riggs, EAC member, said this is going to be a really smart move
with more teachers per students.