MUMBLINGS March 24, 2005

Baldwin is growing rapidly. Most would agree that this is good, but some will not.

There isn't any doubt that this rapid growth rate is bringing on problems. Perhaps over the next few weeks some of them may be discussed here. One of the most important and needing immediate attention is our schools. The number of students is growing so rapidly it is difficult for the school authorities to keep up with the need of new buildings, etc.

However, it is encouraging to see public officials face problems in an intelligent, head-on manner. Our Baldwin County Superintendent of Education, Dr. Faron Hollinger and the seven members of our county Board of Education are doing this.

They recognize the tremendous needs of additional space to take care of our rapidly growing student population and they're doing something about it.

Fortunately, they have seen the wisdom of floating a $50 million bond issue. In addition they are taking $30 million over the next 36 months to repair and construct new facilities for our students.

First, they got a professional organization to make a ten year estimation of needs of new school buildings, where to be located, etc.

As was expected, the studies showed that new buildings are immediately needed and will continue to be needed over the next several years.

The study shows the present 25,000 students will grow to 36,000 in ten years. At least two new high schools will be needed in this time.

The first one will probably be built in the Loxley- I-10 area. The second might be a technical school, location undecided.

Interestingly, the growth will not be as rapid in the Gulf-Bay areas, I-10 south because the increasing adult population is older and thus fewer school age children.

The area, Loxley-North will be growing more rapidly, compared to the rest of the county. The new Baldwin County High School at Bay Minette was built for 1,400 students and is now bursting at the seams with 1,600.

It is estimated the school authorities hope to spend the $80 million in the next 36 months to help meet the immediate needs. This money is expected to meet only the present needs and further demands will be forth coming.

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Continued

Fortunately, the authorities saw the wisdom of going ahead and borrowing the money at this time. This will save the county millions of dollars because of the following: first, it will save money by getting the buildings completed in a hurry. School building costs per square foot have doubled in the last ten years and there is no reason to think that it will not do so in the next ten years.

If you pay as you go, it would take several years to construct the much needed additions and therefore, cost much more.

Next reason is the fact that inflation will continue, probably at the present rate of about three percent per year. In this case, 17 or 18 years from now the school authorities will be paying back this indebtedness with much cheaper money, probably 100 percent.

Thirdly, and most important of all these, school children need the facilities now. They can't wait 15 or 20 years.

The most expensive building in the county is the present Middle School being constructed in Bay Minette. Not counting the land cost, per square foot is about $123.

The next most expensive in the county is the Spanish Fort High School at $112 per square foot and it's including the expensive leveling of land, which, even though bought at a cheap price, is still costly.

Those who may argue that school authorities should use "pay as you go" methods of financing do not take into consideration the above facts.

Interestingly, Jefferson County has just passed a one-cent sales tax to be used to pay for a $1 billion bond issue for school buildings.

Baldwin County school students are fortunate to have a good school system, which is getting better all the time. Our citizens are fortunate that we have school authorities and a Board of Education that are certainly superior to some of our neighbors, as they should be.

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People have often asked me, how long will it take for Baldwin County to be bigger than Mobile County. The answer to this naturally would be a matter of speculation. But if you'll be patient with me, I might speculate on it for you in the future. It takes no speculation to realize that Baldwin County is superior, however.

See you again soon, I hope.