BAY MINETTE, Ala. — The Baldwin County Board of Education unanimously passed a funding proposal allocating $1.5 million for the Spanish Fort High School football stadium project.

Each year, the school board gives the feeder patterns an enhancement fund for special projects that does not jeopardize regular operations, such as programs or staffing needs.

Enhancement funds for the school district are generated through property tax revenue.

“Without any growth, then at a minimun they (feeder patterns) would still receive about $153,000 a year,” finance director Jean McCutchen said of the funds.

Over a period of about 10 years, the Spanish Fort zone would receive the $1.5 million allocation needed for the stadium, McCutchen said.

The school board will instead, advance the funds to the Spanish Fort zone.

Spanish Fort will not receive additional funds until the advance has been “repaid,” according to school spokesman Terry Wilhite.

The other six zones will not lose any of the allocations due to the advancement that the Spanish Fort zone will receive.

Board Member Tracy Roberts thanked the boardmembers for “working outside of the box to get the basic facilities” for a new school and their willingness to consider the project.

Editor's note: Complete article can be viewed Thursday, Dec. 20 in the Spanish Fort Sun.