Baldwin County Anticipates 55% Surge in Student Enrollment

Baldwin County Public Schools (BCPS) is preparing for a significant increase in student enrollment, projecting a 55% rise over the next decade. During a recent meeting, BCPS Geographer Michael Malm informed school board members that the county is experiencing a surge in residential development, with approximately 315 subdivisions and apartment complexes currently under construction.

As of the last academic year, BCPS reported an enrollment of 31,133 students in grades K-12. Malm highlighted that 20 active subdivisions in the Spanish Fort school zone alone are expected to contribute nearly 10,000 new students. Additionally, the Stonebridge neighborhood plans to add around 3,000 new homes, which could similarly impact student numbers.

The Highlands planned community on Bromley Road is projected to be a major contributor to enrollment growth. Malm noted that with the development of up to 24,000 houses, it could eventually yield around 8,000 students. He described the scale of this project as “practically a city,” emphasizing its potential influence on local education.

Despite these optimistic projections, BCPS Superintendent William McMillan expressed caution regarding the Highlands community. He indicated that some of the land is currently zoned for Bay Minette schools, and while there are expectations for new subdivisions, stating that 24,000 homes could emerge in the next three to five years might be overly ambitious.

The Foley area is leading in the number of subdivisions under construction, with 65 active sites. Malm anticipates this development will generate an estimated 2,612 new students within the same timeframe. In response to this growth, BCPS is actively seeking land to build a new elementary school in Foley to accommodate the influx of students. Malm acknowledged the challenges in finding suitable land, as many developers have already secured available lots.

Plans for new educational facilities are already underway, with another elementary school, named Jubilee Elementary School, currently under construction in Daphne. BCPS is also exploring options for an additional elementary school in Fairhope.

The projected growth in student enrollment across various Baldwin County zones is as follows:

– Baldwin County: 30 active subdivisions, anticipating 247 additional students
– Elberta: 31 active subdivisions, expecting 720 additional students
– Foley: 65 active subdivisions, projected to add 2,612 additional students
– Spanish Fort: 20 active subdivisions, estimated to contribute 9,800 additional students

As Baldwin County braces for this anticipated surge in student numbers, BCPS is committed to addressing the challenges and opportunities that come with such rapid growth. The district’s strategic planning aims to ensure that educational infrastructure keeps pace with the expanding population, ultimately benefiting future generations.