Official Announcement
Read the City's announcement and learn more about the purpose of the evaluation and public input process.
Read the Press Release
City of Fairhope, AL
Home MenuCommunity Information and Public Input
Evaluating the Interest of a Fairhope City School System
The City of Fairhope is evaluating community interest in establishing an independent city school system. This page serves as the official source for studies, meeting information, frequently asked questions and opportunities to share your perspective.
Beginning a Community Conversation
The possibility of establishing a Fairhope City School System has been discussed within the community for many years. The City has completed a feasibility study to better understand the financial, operational and governance considerations associated with creating an independent school system.
Fairhope is proud of its students, teachers, administrators and schools. This evaluation is not a criticism of the educational community that serves Fairhope today. It is an opportunity to review the available information, listen to residents and consider the responsibilities and potential impacts associated with a city school system.
Learn More
Review the official announcement and studies related to the community conversation.
City of Fairhope Feasibility Study
Review the feasibility study examining the financial and operational considerations associated with a city school system.
View the Feasibility StudyPARCA Study
Review the study conducted by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) regarding financial feasibility of a Fairhope city school system.
View the PARCA StudyCommunity Conversation Schedule
Attend a meeting to learn more, ask questions and share your perspective. No decision or vote will take place during these public input meetings. Each meeting will be live streamed.
Public Input Meeting
August 18
5:30 PM
City Council Chambers
Public Input Meeting
August 23
5:30 PM
City Council Chambers
Public Input Meeting
September 9
5:30 PM
City Council Chambers
Share Your Perspective
Whether you attend a public meeting or not, we encourage you to complete the online survey. Feedback received through the survey, public meetings and dedicated email address will help inform the community conversation.
Take the Community SurveyFrequently Asked Questions
Learn more about some of the questions currently being discussed.
This list will be updated following each public meeting as additional
questions are received from the community.
Why is the City considering a split from the Baldwin County Board of Education?
There is not one specific reason. Some residents have expressed interest in having greater local control, with a school board made up of Fairhope residents making decisions for Fairhope students and families.
Would a city school system include every student currently in the Fairhope feeder pattern?
We do not know yet.
How many students currently in the Fairhope feeder pattern are Fairhope residents?
Approximately 55% of the students currently in the Fairhope feeder pattern are Fairhope residents.
Would a city school system require a tax increase?
Potentially. One study indicates that a millage increase may not be required, while the other study indicates that it may be. The answer would also depend on the total student count and whether a city school system included every student currently in the Fairhope feeder pattern or only students who live within the City of Fairhope.
Would residents age 65 and older with a homestead exemption be subject to any proposed millage increase?
Yes.
Who would a millage increase apply to?
A millage increase would apply to property owners within the City of Fairhope.
Could students who live outside Fairhope city limits attend a Fairhope City School System?
That would depend on how the school system is organized and whether all current students are grandfathered into the system. That has not been decided and would be an important factor in determining the financial feasibility of a city school system.
Some city school systems allow students who live outside the city limits to attend but charge tuition for non-resident students.
How long would it take to establish a city school system?
The process is expected to take approximately two years, which could result in a new city school system beginning in Fall 2028.
Would residents vote on creating the school system or on any proposed tax increase?
Under current law, the authority to create a city school system rests with the Fairhope City Council. The City is working with legislators to explore whether state law could be changed to allow residents to vote on the creation of a city school system next year.
How would this affect Fairhope's current teachers and administrators?
This would depend on the number of teachers and administrators needed based on the eventual student enrollment. We will not know those staffing needs until there is a better understanding of community interest and what the structure and enrollment of a potential city school system would look like.
Ultimately, the creation of a city school system could impact some teachers and administrators.
How much would the City of Fairhope have to pay to acquire the school properties?
While the final amount could be subject to negotiation, the estimated cost is approximately $35 million.
Questions or Comments?
Email fairhopecityschools@fairhopeal.gov to submit a question or share additional feedback.