MUMBLINGS July 13, 2006

We cannot over emphasize the importance of a good education. Fortunately, Baldwin County school system is one of the best in Alabama. Recently, it was rated number two in quality education for our students.

As our county continues to grow and prosper, it is encouraging to see financial status grow. Let me give you some of the astounding growth figures as furnished by the county’s school staff.

In 1982, our total county school budget was $23,717,066.00. Twenty-four years later in 2005-2006 is $290,166,367.00, an increase of $266,449,301.00, or 122 percent.

Teachers salaries have also increased. In 1982, the average salary was $13,231.00.00… by 2005 the average increased to $33,779.00.

Alabama teachers do not receive the highest salaries in the United States, but they do have the best retirement system.

Over the twenty-four year period the salaries have increased 150%. The budget has increased in the same period of time, 1100%.

Of course, there is never enough money for our schools but it certainly has improved in the last few years and it will continue to get better and better. In 1989, there were thirty-two school buildings and now there are forty-five. Also, there are $100 million worth of construction projects underway, greatly improving our facilities. However, there is still a long way to go because of our rapid growth and number of students.

The Board of Education anticipates another 4,000 students in a few years. The board employed 3,275 in 2005. Of course, as students increase, the employment will continue to grow.

The county board is continuing to improve the quality of education in various ways. A new GIS (Geographic Information System) has been approved and will even bring a more impressive level of analysis to the county’s growth & needs. A highly important figure is that of the current 25,600 students, the average student to teacher ratio is 14-1. This is in spite of the fact that the numbers of students have continued rapid growth.

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In 1910, Alabama spent $3.00 per year for white students and $2.00 per year for black students. Massachusetts spent $39.00 per year for each student. This year, Alabama is spending $7,598.00 per student, not including debt retirement and capital outlay. Obviously, education is expensive…our students are worth it.

Dr. Faron Hollinger, our Superintendant of Education, has worked intelligently with his administration to employ highly qualified teachers. Now, more than 50% of the faculty has master’s degree or higher. This is a very important fact.

Another example of the quality of our students is the fact Fairhope High School accumulated more than $8 million in scholarships last year. Robertsdale had more than $2 million. Other schools in the county also did well.

As recently as 1989, there were no internet or personal computers in the classroom. Baldwin County fell behind other counties in implementing technology for instruction of students and communication among all parties. Dr. Hollinger personally saw to it to reverse that failing trend.

As of today, there are 6,500 personal computers in Baldwin County classrooms. Every teacher and principal has email. Parents have access to their child’s grades at any time on the website. This is all because of Dr. Hollinger’s drive to see technology play a major role in educating our children.

See you again soon, I hope.