LOXLEY, Ala. — The future of the Fairhope K Center was among the main topics of conversation at the Baldwin County Board of Education’s special meeting Wednesday morning at the Loxely satellite location. Although the meeting was called to discuss and approve various personnel issues, the K Center issue took center stage.

Dr. Alan Lee, Baldwin County’s new Superintendent, and Tracey Roberts, Board president, were scheduled to have a midmorning meeting with Fairhope Mayor Tim Kant to discuss what, if any, financial commitment the City of Fairhope has in keeping the K Center open for the 2010-11 school year.

Board member Bob Willis asked Lee about the meeting with Kant and was concerned about what actions would be taken to keep the school open. “The one-cent sales tax had overwhelming support in the Fairhope area and it sure would be disappointing if we got to the 11th hour and had to close the center because there wasn’t enough funding,” Willis commented.

Willis went on to ask if the City would be be able to defray expenses for the school if it was found the one-cent tax didn’t provide enough money. To that question, Lee said “We will just have to see what happens and we won’t really know anything until we meet and discuss it.”

It was also pointed out by the Board that Fairhope Councilwoman Debbie Quinn said whatever action was taken by Kant to resolve the issue did not need council approval to be passed, and Willis commented the general consensus among the residents of Fairhope was if the tax passed, which it did, in March, the K Center would be saved from closing.

Lee said he was not aware of that assumption and could not comment on it at this time.

In a statement issued Thursday, July 22, Lee said, “The Fairhope K Center will be open for business for the 2010-11 school year, and parents who haven’t registered their child should do so during the published hours.”

Registration for the K Center ended Thursday, July 29. Meet the Teacher will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 13.

First grade students in Fairhope will attend Fairhope Elementary School this fall, according to the statement.

Another issue discussed was of BOE family members getting preferential treatment during the hiring process for the 2010-11 school year. Some complaints had been voiced about the hiring of Jane Lightfoot, Board president Roberts daughter, at Gulf Shores Elementary School.

To those complaints, Lee said “there was absolutely no pressure or influence on us to hire any board members relatives. We hire based on merit and qualification and that is our focus.”

Roberts said she abstained from the vote in hiring her daughter and Board member Angie Swiger said the Gulf Shores Elementary principal interviewed 55 people for seven positions and based her decision on the quality and character of the person, not family connections.

There are currently four board members who have relatives employed by various schools in Baldwin County.

In other Board business, a motion was passed to use certain schools in the county as Emergency Mass Care Shelters that include Baldwin County High School, 1,000 people; Central Baldwin Middle School, 1,000; Daphne East Elementary School, 500; Fairhope High School, 1,000; Robertsdale High School, 1,000; Foley High School, 1,000; and Bay Minette Middle School, 500. Others may be added as needed, Board documents stated.

Also approved was a revision to the 2010-11 Salary Schedule for Special Education substitutes. Because of the hiring freeze that occurred last year, Special Ed. subs were paid at a higher rate but because of the partial lifting of the freeze and the diminished need, Special Ed subs will not longer be uniquely identified on the salary schedule. They will return to the pay rate of $8.50 an hour for the 2010-11 school year.

There were several motions passed to approve leave of absences, retirement and resignations, transfers and new employment and Board member Norm Moore made an announcement about the Jennifer Claire Moore Rodeo to be held Aug. 4-6 at the Foley Horse Arena. The proceeds for this event go to help fund the Peer Helper programs at local middle and high schools.