BCPSS to partner with aerospace plant

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WALA) - The Baldwin County school board voted unanimously to partner with several agencies to build an Aviation Training Center in Baldwin County.

The proposal comes off the heels of last month's Air Bus announcement.

“We're excited because it's going to provide classes for students an or adults that have not been accessible to many people in the county,” said Baldwin County School Superintendent Dr. Alan T. Lee

Baldwin county officials said they are looking to prepare students for jobs at the aerospace plant.

Baldwin County schools will join the City of Fairhope, Faulkner State and Enterprise State Community Colleges, as well as the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance to build the training center at Sonny Callahan Airport in Fairhope.

“What it means for the students is that they are actually going to take courses at an airport facility, and it's just a fabulous opportunity,” said School Board member Bob Callahan.

The school system’s role in the county-wide partnership includes an estimated $12,000 a month to pay for a portion of the lease.

In return, the Baldwin County Board of Education would make the aviation and industrial courses available to high school students as well.

“Plus the promise of jobs that pay between $40,000-$60,000 a year. Those are good paying jobs. Those are jobs that keep our kids at home where we want them to be,” said Callahan.