Foley, Ala. — (OBA) —  Foley highlights the hard work of local teachers and school supporters who are helping improve education across the city and Baldwin County. City leaders recently honored area public school educators named Teachers of the Year at their schools. The event also shone a light on the partnership among the city, the school system, and community advocates. Officials said that teamwork is paying off in rising scores and stronger classrooms.

City officials recognized the educators during the Foley City Council meeting on Monday, May 4, at Foley City Hall. Teachers from schools in the Foley feeder pattern also received state resolutions signed by Gov. Kay Ivey. State Rep. Frances Holk-Jones of Foley sponsored the resolutions to commend the honorees for their achievements.

Teachers recognized included Angela Ingraham of Swift School, Brandy Richard of Foley High School, Kaitlyn Martin of Magnolia School, Kerry Becton of Mathis Elementary, Michelle Dillon of Foley Middle School, and Amanda Welsh of Foley Elementary School. Each school in the district selects a Teacher of the Year. From those honorees, a panel of judges selects one elementary and one secondary educator to represent Baldwin County Public Schools.

Members of the Baldwin County Board of Education joined the Foley Education Advisory Committee for the recognition event at City Hall. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the city, local educators, and the school system work closely to improve education in the area. The Foley City Council budgets 300,000 dollars each year for local schools, with the funds distributed by the Foley Education Advisory Committee. The Baldwin County Board of Education matches that city funding to further support classrooms.

Mayor Hellmich emphasized that the success of the program relies on a collaborative structure. “This committee works with our school board,” Hellmich said. “Our council helps support the schools to go to the next level. Each school has unique needs that other schools may not have. Our city works with the school board, and they provide part of the funding. This committee reviews the requests that each principal brings to help their school make progress so that these teachers may take advantage of it.” He further noted that because of this team effort between teachers, principals, and the board, every school in Foley achieved a B grade for the first time in recent memory.

Hellmich said that city support and teachers’ work have helped Foley area schools earn their highest marks ever on the state report card. “Because of the efforts of these teachers and our principals in the room and the school board, because it’s all a team effort, our schools in Foley all achieved a B grade for the first time that I can remember,” he said.

Over the past three years, Foley High School’s report card score has risen 10 points, from 70 to 80. Foley Middle School’s score increased from 68 to 81, while Mathis Elementary rose from 79 to 83. Grades at Foley Elementary improved from 79 to 85. At Magnolia School, the score increased from 77 to 83, and Swift School’s grade rose from 78 to 82.