Schoolteacher Named to Head Education Committee

Fairhope, Alabama                                                  

At its first meeting, former Fairhope Middle and Larry Newton School teacher Karen Mullins was unanimously elected to chair the new Educational Advisory Committee. Mullins said she considered herself mostly a "worker bee" but would be glad to serve the committee in any capacity.

Mullins has a B. A. degrees from the University of Alabama (English) and a Master's from South Alabama, according to her resume'. She said she had no connection with any of the various political organizations, for or against a city-run school system.

 Henry Clark (a former principal) was also nominated but thought it would be more fitting to have a local teacher (still with good connections in the schools) fill the job.

Member Julia Sumerlin observed the fact that Mullins has 3 young children makes her uniquely fitted for the job as well.

SUPERINTENDENT'S STATEMENT

Baldwin School Superintendent Alan Lee thanked the group for inviting his participation and said he was "excited by any group wanting to improve our schools." He said that he hoped any needed improvements identified here could be implemented elsewhere in the county as well.

Lee: "I'm hoping to hear lots of considered ideas ... how to make our schools better ... ."

MISSION STATEMENT DELAYED

A mission statement for the committee was debated but a final decision was deferred until the next meeting. Generally, some members favored speaking directly to teachers and students to determine their needs but others thought that may be too invasive.

Dr Lee said he hoped the committee would focus on the big picture, "programmatic" issues rather than a "micro-investigative" perspective at the teacher/student level.

Lee: "We've got teachers who are outstanding and some not so outstanding ...  my belief this committee should focus on programs ... what we have and don't have now ... not on a micro level ... that's done on a macro level ... ."

COUNTY TO OFFER NEW TAX PLAN SOON

Local School Board representative Bob Callahan said that there will be a proposal coming within the next 90 days from the county about permanent funding to replace the temporary penny sales tax that will expire next year (other ad valorem taxes are to expire as well) and  a voter referendum will be required.

Callahan: "... at some point in the foreseeable future there will be an initiative ... when an election will be set ... to allow the BOE to enact permanent funding (measures) ... ."

Callahan worried the Educational Committee's simultaneous discussions may put "ambiguity in the air" concerning funding/taxes during the county's efforts to replace the lost revenue.

(Publisher's Note: Because the early morning is the only time some members could make it, the Education Committee set its next meeting for 7AM March 13th, at the Nix Senior Center.)