Satsuma pushes for independent system

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The city of Satsuma may be in for a fight if it tries to start up an independent school system. Mobile County School Superintendent Dr. Roy Nichols says the town is welcome to leave, but the school system has no plan to surrender land in the city.

It's an issue that may have to be settled in court.

Around three years ago, Satsuma annexed a wooded section of property on the north side of town.

According to federal law, every sixteenth square mile of land is dedicated to schools. That means any money generated there goes to the school system.

The city has hired a consultant to find out if it's enough to operate an independent school system in Satsuma.

"We have a good relationship with the school system. It's not about what they haven't done. It's about us being able to control our own school system here," Satsuma Mayor Bill Stewart said.

Stewart said the city isn't expecting a fight from the county, but it may get one.

Nichols said the law allows any municipality with a population of more than 5,000 to start its own school system.

But, when it comes to the square mile of property, Satsuma hopes the county will pay for its schools. Dr. Nichols, howver, said no way.

"No, not the land, the land's ours," he said.

The superintendent said he doesn't know how much money comes in from the 640 acres in Satsuma, but he said he doesn't think it's much.

"First of all the land doesn't generate that much income. But second of all, I know we need to give them the school buildings in order for the children to have a place to go to school, but I don't believe that we're required to give them raw land," he said.

Dr. Nichols said he doesn't know if the land in Satsuma includes any oil or gas revenue. Whatever the amount, Mobile County may be preparing a fight to keep it.

He added the school system has about 22,000 acres of Section 16 land. He said the combined revenue from all the land is about $2.5 million.