'Save the K-1 Committee' Suggests Alternate Building Uses

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WANTS MEETING WITH SCHOOL BOARD

Leslie-Ann Tarabella, President of the Save the K-1 organization, has proposed a meeting with Baldwin County School Superintendent Alan Lee and School Board Members to discuss the historic Church Street building's future. 

Tarabella: "In today's economy, we're by no means telling you to suck it up and make it work . . . not realistic.  . . .  Save The K-1 Committee would like to propose a work session with you . . . to discuss ideas . . .  (our) first choice . . . school remains dedicated to early childhood education . . . (other) great alternatives . . . a magnet school . . . tuition-based pre-K . . . a child-based science museum."

LEE HAVING DISCUSSIONS WITH MAYOR TOO

 Superintendent  Lee said Fairhope Mayor Kant was "very interested in that building not being empty."

Lee: "We talked about a variety of possibilities . . . University South Alabama for adult education . . . Faulkner State being there . . .  a pay-as-you-go pre-K program."

Lee had said earlier that moving the kindergarten classes to the new elementary school on Section St. could save the school system up to $750,000 next year. Anticipating further state budget cuts, Lee said his goal was to avoid more teacher layoffs -- and his obligation was to all Baldwin County students, not just those in Fairhope.


Comments

Anonymous said…
I have another option for them. Just knock the ugly old building down
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Marcus said…
I have a child at the Kindergarten Center now, and I whole-heartedly support moving to the new elementary school. The current building is old and in disrepair. It is very nearly a safety hazard. I understand sentimentality, but there is no room for such emotion in today's financial outlook for the Baldwin County school system. I would love to see the building purchased by USA, and either renovated or demolished in order to create a larger campus here in Fairhope.

The only caveat is that those of us who care about the Fairhope school system must find a way to privately provide at least one additional school librarian at the elementary school. The state has a backward view on school libraries, which severely overburdens elementary school libraries. Kiki Sealy does a phenomenal job at FES, but the addition of first grade there has pushed her to the limit already. If the Kindergarten moves there as well, she must have some additional full-time help.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Anonymous said…
The meeting Lee had at FES last week was comical. The speakers from the audience sounded like absolute morons...I thought they were all going to start weeping. So if people in F'hope were dumb enough to vote a tax increase on themselves thinking it would "save" their precious K-1 center, then they need a dose of reality. I had a child at the k-1 center last year...it's old. The money should be saved...but it is a shame that any savings won't benefit F'hope schools directly. Also, the comment about needing another librarian at FES was spot on.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Anonymous said…
please don't let any near by condo owners get control of this property. it is well known that some residents next door which that the k-1 center would disappear
Monday, February 28, 2011
Anonymous said…
Leslie sounds like reasonable person.
Monday, February 28, 2011
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