Fairhope considers leaving Baldwin County schools — here’s how to weigh in

Fairhope is asking a big question this fall: Should the city break away from Baldwin County Public Schools and start its own system?

City leaders released the results of a six-month feasibility study Thursday, Aug. 6, conducted by Criterion, to gauge whether an independent Fairhope City School System would make financial sense. The study follows a separate, parent-funded feasibility report through ⁠Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) that helped spark renewed conversation around town.

Fairhope wouldn’t be the first Baldwin County city to make the leap. Both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach split off to form their own city school systems, giving Fairhope some real-world precedent to study.

Why Fairhope is considering leaving Baldwin County schools

City officials are quick to point out this isn’t about dissatisfaction with local schools. Fairhope’s teachers, administrators and students continue to perform well, and officials say this is about opportunity, not criticism.

Two themes keep coming up in community conversations:

1. A desire for more local control over education decisions
2. Interest in improving and expanding athletic facilities

Fairhope has long pushed for the ability to invest more directly in its own schools — a conversation that led to the city adopting a three-mill tax district about five years ago, the first of its kind in Baldwin County and approved by voters with the strongest margin of any three-mill district countywide.

Those funds are now managed locally through the Fairhope Public Schools Commission, which works with school principals to direct resources where they’re needed most.

How to weigh in on the Fairhope City School System proposal

No decision has been made, and city leaders are emphasizing that this is the start of a public conversation, not the end of one. Fairhope wants to hear from parents, teachers, students, business owners and taxpayers before anything moves forward.

Here’s how to get involved:

• Email: Share your thoughts to fairhopecityschools@fairhopeal.gov
• Public meetings at the City Council Chambers:
  • Overflow seating and livestream available
  • Tuesday, Aug. 18, 5:30PM
  • Sunday, Aug. 23, 5:30PM
  • Wednesday, Sept. 9, 5:30PM
• Online survey: Available now for residents who can’t make it in person

A summary of community feedback will go before the Fairhope City Council at its Sept. 28 meeting.

For the full feasibility study, FAQs and survey, visit fairhopeal.gov/community/city-school-consideration.