Satsuma celebrates new school system

SATSUMA, Ala. (WALA) - The City of Satsuma could not have been prouder as the doors of the brand new Satsuma School System opened with a bang Monday night.

Following a parade, the school board signaled a new start by cutting a ribbon at the front of door of Satsuma High School. It’s a start that has been two years in the making.

The city officially broke ties from the Mobile County Public School System in April.

Interim superintendent Dr. Joe Walters says it hasn't been easy starting from scratch. He was the first — and at one point, only — employee.

"I would meet with college presidents, the mayor and city council, dignitaries from around the area then I would come home and have to see if I could fix the plumbing or the a/c...I’ve been on top of the buildings at 3 in the morning with police trying to find intruders. It’s been an eye opening experience,” he said.

Right now, the halls are empty but, come Monday, more than 1,300 students will start classes for the first time in the Satsuma City School System.

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Some citizens doubt whether the city has the tax base to sustain a school system. But Stephanie Dial, a parent, says she is more trusting in her city than she was with the county.

"We have the best schools in Mobile County. I put them up against any other schools the county has to offer," said Dial.