Fairhope, Alabama
LESS NEW CONSTRUCTION NEEDED?
During a finance meeting at Fairhope High School last week (July 31st), Baldwin School Board members heard that a new study prepared for them by Atlanta-based school planner/demographer Dr. Steve Salmon differs significantly from the one already presented to the community by Superintendent Lee during a series of community meetings earlier this year (click).
The study concluded that classroom space is currently being underutilized -- and future student population growth will be less than predicted in some areas.
(Publisher's Note: This meeting was held 3 days before Dr. Lee announced his resignation, effective Nov. 1st.)
Accordingly, new construction/expansion needs will be less than previously thought and fewer portable classrooms needed at some schools. For instance, it found that there is currently no real need for the six
portable classrooms currently being used at Fairhope High School (a conclusion disputed by the school's principal, who was present).
Salmon's study predicts the need for (within 5 years): a new high school in Gulf Shores; high school with cafeteria in Spanish Fort; elementary school in Bay Minette; new wing for Central Baldwin middle; a new elementary school and wing at the intermediate in Foley; a new elementary school in Daphne; and nothing needed in Fairhope.
The findings are based upon projections for an older ("aging") population in parts of the county, a leveling off of birth rates, and under-usage of current facilities.
FINDINGS DISPUTED
School Superintendent Dr. Alan Lee and Board members questioned some of the the findings and suggested the data he used may not be entirely accurate, particularly class size assumptions ("divisors" per classroom) and the specific programs the classrooms are being used for (ie. special needs students).
Dr. Lee: "There is a discrepancy ... counting of the rooms was done by a non-educator ... didn't look at programs or their space requirements ... ."
Lee criticized the new study for finding no need for the current portables at Fairhope High and concluding the 20 room addition to the Rockwell elementary school now under construction is not necessary (only four needed).
He thought the study relied too heavily on declining birthrates and not other factors that may affect growth (ie.new businesses locating here, like Airbus).
Dr. Lee:
"One of my purposes in questioning the report was because of the disconnect between what I think is reality ... and what is reported there.
If people in the community look at the report and they see portable units sitting outside of our schools and the report indicates they don't need them ... they are going to question it as well.
Its important for them to have the background information ... so they know its accurate. I know you are frustrated with that, but that's a reality."
SUSPECT DATA TO BE CONFIRMED
Member Tarwater said he was mostly satisfied with the new report: "This is the first time we have seen real data. He (Salmon) used the data we gave him ... maybe we gave him wrong information."
Dr. Lee proposed he have his three executive principals do a "first-hand survey" of how all facilities are being used so "you all can get a complete report ... verify how principals are using rooms ... what the needs are with the programs we have."
CONCLUSIONS
Mr. Tarwater said that while there were issues with some of its conclusions (especially concerning Spanish Fort area schools) he felt "comfortable" with the new report because a similar one done for the county by Dr. Salmon back in in 2005 proved to be "spot on correct."
He said the Board will need something soon to present to citizens to justify the cost of the new construction needs; he personally thought construction should be planned in phases, phase one for most-pressing needs, and a phase two for five years or so later.
[During the discussion, he also brought up the possibility of larger schools, particularly high schools, as a more cost-effective way to deal with overcrowding than building entirely new ones (Citing logistical problems ie. cafeteria space and traffic, Dr. Lee disagreed).]
Tarwater: "Its important Dr. Lee come back with analysis with real numbers ... and where he feels like there are discrepancies. This is a start, to understand what we need for the future. A lot of people will disagree with it ... but we need to start moving."
Member Callahan called it a "good and usable report" overall that "shouldn't be discarded" -- and praised Salmon's reputation: he has done many such studies for schools all over the country.
"Thoughtful analysis is the key."
[Callahan also proposed considering limiting the number of students in the feeder patterns of schools as another way to deal with the overcrowding: the excess would have to attend less crowded ones.]
Member Shannon Cauley said the Board needs to make some decisions: "The county and community are expecting us to come forward with some decisions ... at least have a plan ... and a price tag."
Tarwater said that after Lee's analysis is done the School Board may want to bring Dr. Salmon back here to go over the updated conclusions -- and "then from that, start determining where we are going to build."
" ... we're not at the point right now of knowing where we should go ... based on real data."
(Note: School Board members Swiger and Moore were absent from this meeting. Member-elect Cecil Christeberry was present.)
LESS NEW CONSTRUCTION NEEDED?
 |
| Baldwin County School Board |
During a finance meeting at Fairhope High School last week (July 31st), Baldwin School Board members heard that a new study prepared for them by Atlanta-based school planner/demographer Dr. Steve Salmon differs significantly from the one already presented to the community by Superintendent Lee during a series of community meetings earlier this year (click).
The study concluded that classroom space is currently being underutilized -- and future student population growth will be less than predicted in some areas.
(Publisher's Note: This meeting was held 3 days before Dr. Lee announced his resignation, effective Nov. 1st.)
Accordingly, new construction/expansion needs will be less than previously thought and fewer portable classrooms needed at some schools. For instance, it found that there is currently no real need for the six
 |
| Dr. Salmon |
The findings are based upon projections for an older ("aging") population in parts of the county, a leveling off of birth rates, and under-usage of current facilities.
FINDINGS DISPUTED
School Superintendent Dr. Alan Lee and Board members questioned some of the the findings and suggested the data he used may not be entirely accurate, particularly class size assumptions ("divisors" per classroom) and the specific programs the classrooms are being used for (ie. special needs students).
Dr. Lee: "There is a discrepancy ... counting of the rooms was done by a non-educator ... didn't look at programs or their space requirements ... ."
 |
| Dr. Lee |
He thought the study relied too heavily on declining birthrates and not other factors that may affect growth (ie.new businesses locating here, like Airbus).
Dr. Lee:
"One of my purposes in questioning the report was because of the disconnect between what I think is reality ... and what is reported there.
If people in the community look at the report and they see portable units sitting outside of our schools and the report indicates they don't need them ... they are going to question it as well.
Its important for them to have the background information ... so they know its accurate. I know you are frustrated with that, but that's a reality."
SUSPECT DATA TO BE CONFIRMED
Member Tarwater said he was mostly satisfied with the new report: "This is the first time we have seen real data. He (Salmon) used the data we gave him ... maybe we gave him wrong information."
Dr. Lee proposed he have his three executive principals do a "first-hand survey" of how all facilities are being used so "you all can get a complete report ... verify how principals are using rooms ... what the needs are with the programs we have."
CONCLUSIONS
Mr. Tarwater said that while there were issues with some of its conclusions (especially concerning Spanish Fort area schools) he felt "comfortable" with the new report because a similar one done for the county by Dr. Salmon back in in 2005 proved to be "spot on correct."
He said the Board will need something soon to present to citizens to justify the cost of the new construction needs; he personally thought construction should be planned in phases, phase one for most-pressing needs, and a phase two for five years or so later.
[During the discussion, he also brought up the possibility of larger schools, particularly high schools, as a more cost-effective way to deal with overcrowding than building entirely new ones (Citing logistical problems ie. cafeteria space and traffic, Dr. Lee disagreed).]
Tarwater: "Its important Dr. Lee come back with analysis with real numbers ... and where he feels like there are discrepancies. This is a start, to understand what we need for the future. A lot of people will disagree with it ... but we need to start moving."
Member Callahan called it a "good and usable report" overall that "shouldn't be discarded" -- and praised Salmon's reputation: he has done many such studies for schools all over the country.
"Thoughtful analysis is the key."
[Callahan also proposed considering limiting the number of students in the feeder patterns of schools as another way to deal with the overcrowding: the excess would have to attend less crowded ones.]
Member Shannon Cauley said the Board needs to make some decisions: "The county and community are expecting us to come forward with some decisions ... at least have a plan ... and a price tag."
Tarwater said that after Lee's analysis is done the School Board may want to bring Dr. Salmon back here to go over the updated conclusions -- and "then from that, start determining where we are going to build."
" ... we're not at the point right now of knowing where we should go ... based on real data."
(Note: School Board members Swiger and Moore were absent from this meeting. Member-elect Cecil Christeberry was present.)
Comments