Fairhope, Alabama
FUTURE DEBATED BY SCHOOL BOARD
At their June 16th meeting, facilities manager Boatright told the School Board that the 1925-vintage K-1 on Church street's condition is worsening over time and has been damaged by vandals: there is also a worry it may catch fire.
The 21,500 square foot building (21 classrooms) that has not been used in six years has numerous major roof leaks and ventilation issues, as well as buckled flooring and chronic basement flooding.
Windows and doors have been damaged by vandals and the place is infested with fleas, he said.
Power and water have been shut off since the demolition of adjacent portable classrooms over a year ago.
The main boiler is not operational and a chiller is out of commission; lead paint and asbestos insulation may be issues too.
The four 1960s-era flat roof classrooms of 1,300 square feet each have similar problems, but not as bad as the older main building.
NEW VISION PRESENTED
Members of the Fairhope Education Enrichment Foundation's strategic planning committee presented their own preliminary vision for the property: to expand (in partnership with city of Fairhope and school board) their STEAM initiative begun in 1996 with the Pelican's Nest science classroom -- still operating at the rear of the property.
National studies show the a science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics curriculum is the most effective today (STEAM).
FEEF called the property a "wasting resource" and advocated converting the vacant buildings into a "green school" -- in three phases:
Phase one is the already completed Pelican's Nest.
Phase two would be to renovate the 1960s classrooms, which would be easy to do because of their simple construction ($3 million?).
Phase three would be more costly, refurbish the old K-1 itself.
A green school is defined as one that provides environmental literacy for graduates and is "net positive" for energy and water usage. There are currently several in northern Alabama, but none on the Gulf Coast.
The buildings themselves would become a "community textbook" for the "groundbreaking" educational facility, open to all students in Baldwin County, not just for the Fairhope feeder pattern.
COOL RECEPTION FROM BOARD
All board members were enthusiastic about the plan, but most questioned the financial feasibility of it considering impending financial shortfalls the school system faces.
Board president Cauley said she "loved the idea" but the board could not afford renovations: she worried about staffing and long-term maintenance issues as well.
Cauley: "Its the most valuable property we have ... we may have to sell it someday just to operate the school system."
Member Myrick called it an "excellent idea" and asked about the current value of the property; he was told it was estimated to be from $3-4 million.
Myrick: "That would only operate the system for a couple of months."
Fairhope District Representative Chiristenberry called it a "wonderful, historically significant building in a great location:"
"It means a lot to parents ... and some older folks in the community ... going to cause a problem if you want to tear it down ... ."
Daphne's board member Tarwater observed the aging building is "falling down" and "we need to make a decision about it."
Cauley asked FEEF to come back with more specifics about the financial aspects of their plan such as would they want to lease or buy the property and specific funding sources for long term maintenance and staffing.
(Some city of Fairhope officials toured the building back in 2013 - click)
 |
| July, 2016 |
FUTURE DEBATED BY SCHOOL BOARD
At their June 16th meeting, facilities manager Boatright told the School Board that the 1925-vintage K-1 on Church street's condition is worsening over time and has been damaged by vandals: there is also a worry it may catch fire.
The 21,500 square foot building (21 classrooms) that has not been used in six years has numerous major roof leaks and ventilation issues, as well as buckled flooring and chronic basement flooding.
Windows and doors have been damaged by vandals and the place is infested with fleas, he said.Power and water have been shut off since the demolition of adjacent portable classrooms over a year ago.
The main boiler is not operational and a chiller is out of commission; lead paint and asbestos insulation may be issues too.
The four 1960s-era flat roof classrooms of 1,300 square feet each have similar problems, but not as bad as the older main building.
NEW VISION PRESENTED
Members of the Fairhope Education Enrichment Foundation's strategic planning committee presented their own preliminary vision for the property: to expand (in partnership with city of Fairhope and school board) their STEAM initiative begun in 1996 with the Pelican's Nest science classroom -- still operating at the rear of the property.
 |
| 1964-era wing |
FEEF called the property a "wasting resource" and advocated converting the vacant buildings into a "green school" -- in three phases:
Phase one is the already completed Pelican's Nest.
Phase two would be to renovate the 1960s classrooms, which would be easy to do because of their simple construction ($3 million?).
 |
| FEEF presentation |
A green school is defined as one that provides environmental literacy for graduates and is "net positive" for energy and water usage. There are currently several in northern Alabama, but none on the Gulf Coast.
The buildings themselves would become a "community textbook" for the "groundbreaking" educational facility, open to all students in Baldwin County, not just for the Fairhope feeder pattern.
COOL RECEPTION FROM BOARD
All board members were enthusiastic about the plan, but most questioned the financial feasibility of it considering impending financial shortfalls the school system faces.
Board president Cauley said she "loved the idea" but the board could not afford renovations: she worried about staffing and long-term maintenance issues as well.
 |
| FEEF's architect |
Cauley: "Its the most valuable property we have ... we may have to sell it someday just to operate the school system."
Member Myrick called it an "excellent idea" and asked about the current value of the property; he was told it was estimated to be from $3-4 million.
Myrick: "That would only operate the system for a couple of months."
Fairhope District Representative Chiristenberry called it a "wonderful, historically significant building in a great location:"
"It means a lot to parents ... and some older folks in the community ... going to cause a problem if you want to tear it down ... ."
Daphne's board member Tarwater observed the aging building is "falling down" and "we need to make a decision about it."
Cauley asked FEEF to come back with more specifics about the financial aspects of their plan such as would they want to lease or buy the property and specific funding sources for long term maintenance and staffing.
(Some city of Fairhope officials toured the building back in 2013 - click)
 |
| July 2015 |
 |
| August 2013 |
Comments
City leaders should finally get their acts together and make them an offer they cant refuse!
Multiple good potential uses for the property in the heart of downtown... .
So how do you explain the new construction in downtown? The splash Pad, Bay Eyes building, Living Well, the luxury condos across from Greer's, the new proposed living/retail space across from the Fairhope PD, the LIBRARY????
Taxpayers should save a sick building because your mamaw went to school there?
You can't have it both ways.
It isn’t just a matter of history, memories or nostalgia, but one of function that requires we take action to give our children the best education, and our teachers the best working facilities possible. To allow these board members from other parts of the county to overcrowd our children while letting a great location (two, if you count the empty property on Fairhope Ave.) sit undeveloped and go to waste is a crime and our city leaders need to step up and take control of this situation. To do nothing only endorses the actions of the school board.
Lyin' Jack and crook'd Tim provide leadership?
No chance in Hell.