Baldwin County School Board discusses possible pay raises

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WALA) - On January 24, the Baldwin County School Board met to discuss the past, present and future of the school system. One of the topics discussed was the possibility of a pay raise for the superintendent and teachers.

“It’s my sense the state is going to provide a pay raise for employees, and we can use any funds we have for other needs. So I’m not recommending our board do a pay raise, but they may choose to do that,” said Superintendent Dr. Alan Lee.

Baldwin County School Board President Norm Moore said “there may or may not be a pay raise”. He said this would be the fourth year teachers wouldn't receive a raise, and the board is “hoping to do something about that”.

The board said everyone, including Dr. Lee, would be considered for a pay increase.

Another topic of discussion at the meeting is the construction of four more schools: two elementary, one middle school and one high school to help with overcrowding and class size.

On top of that, the board wants to continue the investment in technology.

“Do we take the digital renaissance in the middle schools? Do we provide more custodial help, and do we refresh the computers in BCHS? Those are the kinds of questions the board’s going to have to make some decisions on,” said Lee.

The superintendent’s contract is set to expire this year. Board members said Thursday’s meeting was helpful in determining their future.

The board also discussed the price of school lunches increasing again to meet USDA standards and the possibility of putting DVR recording devices into school busses.

The board is set to meet again in about two weeks.