Satsuma wants independent school system

SATSUMA, Ala. (WALA) - Another city on the Gulf Coast is thinking about starting its own school system. The small town of Satsuma in northern Mobile County may be on the verge of taking a big step. The city council voted Tuesday to hire a consultant to look into the feasibility of a city-owned school system.

"They're all over the state. There's a lot of successful systems, and we just feel like we at least want the opportunity to see if we could qualify to do that," said Satsuma Mayor Bill Stewart.

Stewart said he's received a lot of support for the idea from the community.

When it comes to starting a school system, the biggest challenge for a small town like Satsuma is obviously money. However, Stewart said a recently annexed one mile stretch of property on the north side of town may be the answer.

"We do have the 16 school section that was annexed into the city several years back, and so whatever revenue is created from that, then hopefully that's going to be enough to fund it," the mayor said.

Stewart believes potential oil and timber revenue from the land could provide the money needed to fund a local school system.

However, what do some folks in Satsuma think about breaking away from the county school school system?

"I don't see why we shouldn't have it. I mean Saraland went and had theirs," Aimee McMillan said.

James Henderson likes the idea, too.

"I think if the city can financially do it, I think it would be a great thing. The main reason I would say it's going to be good is because of where they built the new middle school," Henderson said.

Buff Chisolm favors sticking with the Mobile County Public School System.

"Saraland did what they wanted to do, but I don't mind being in the Mobile County School System. I would vote to keep it in Mobile County," Henderson said.

Jerry Lowe said the final decision should be up to the voters in Satsuma.

"That's the best thing to do, is let the people vote on everything," Lowe said.

If the idea gets the go from the city, a vote from the public would not be required.

Stewart said the city expects a report back from the consultant in about three months.