Orange Beach council, school board looking at elementary expansions

John Mullen • May 20, 2022

Board studying converting gym to classrooms, building new gym

Orange Beach, Alabama, is considering ways to increase capacity at its elementary school.

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Orange Beach Board of Education and city council during May 17 a joint session of the two bodies had a brainstorming session on how best to use the property available at Orange Beach Elementary School.


One of those ideas is a certainty, expanding by 17,000 feet to the south of the current building to house a combination cafeteria and auditorium and library media center and renovate the current cafeteria and library into eight more classrooms. Leaders say they expect those rooms to be filled to capacity by the time they are complete.


Baldwin County started the $6.5 million project but the Orange Beach School Board will manage and pay for the expansion.


Sawgrass Consulting has been hired to take a survey of the current campus and decide which areas can be built on and what parts are wetlands. Under consideration are a new wing for Pre-K classrooms and converting the Sea Sand and Stars Museum into classroom space including a lab to meet requirements for STEM certification.


Board Vice President Nelson Bauer said a serious study is underway to consider putting 12 classrooms on two levels in the current gym and build a new gym in the parking lot next to the old gym.


“We grabbed Casey from McCollough Architecture and we went into the existing gym, looked at the height, looked at the structure and looked at the area just to see if it’s feasible to put classrooms in there,” Bauer said. “Mainly two levels of classrooms. Looking at it conservatively it looks like we could go six classrooms per level which would ultimately give us 12 classrooms with us being land poor that may be the most effective means.”


Taking up parking spaces for a new gym raised other questions like where the 60-plus staffers at the school will park. City Administrator Ken Grimes pointed out with the field trips to Sea Sand and Stars being eliminated the parking between the current gym and the museum could be used for staff.


Bauer is encouraged by the possibility of converting the current gym into 12 new classrooms.


“Thinking of six classrooms I think the largest grade level now has five classrooms so I thought of that as one grade level per floor,” Bauer said. “That’s huge when you’re talking about expansion and ultimately a gym out front. That was trying to project five years down the road. It seems to be a viable option. You’d probably have to reinforce that floor but ultimately and preliminarily it looks like a super good option.”


Also, during the meeting, members of both boards heard from City Finance Director and temporary Schools Chief Financial Officer Ford Handley on how the city plans to utilize $50 million it is borrowing for school improvements. The majority, about $42.5 million will pay Baldwin County for the current facilities in Orange Beach and the elementary school expansion.


Here's how it will be broken down:


  • $32.4 million for the middle and high school building


  • $3 million for the elementary school


  • $2.37 million in debt picked up from Baldwin County


  • $6.5 million for elementary school expansion


“The goal of today is to figure out basically the funding mechanism between the school and the city and make sure you guys are comfortable,” Handley said. “There are still some unknowns regarding the foundation (state) revenue. The $50 million is a straight 20-year bank loan and we’ve dedicated that toward the schools.”


The city recently passed an increase in the lodging tax by 3 percent that will be earmarked for schools. It will be phased in by 2 percent on May 1, 2023, and another percent added on Sept. 1, 2023. Handley said one percent of the lodging tax would generate $4.1 million annually.


Another project discussed in the joint session was a 60,000-square-foot athletic facility with a gym taking up about 8,000 to 10,000 of that space. It would serve the needs of all athletic teams at both the middle and high school. The city has received a preliminary price for just the shell of the new facility at $2.5 million.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Bay Watch Boat Ramp
By OBA Staff July 25, 2025
Weeks Bay, Ala. — (OBA) — The Bay Watch Public Boat Ramp in Baldwin County, Alabama, is now open again after a period of closure for major parking improvements. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) finished the upgrades this month, which are expected to help local anglers, boaters...
Traffic Lights - Stock Image
By OBA Staff July 25, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Drivers in Orange Beach can expect a new traffic signal at a busy crossroads soon. The intersection of Canal Road and Wharf Parkway East, close to Culver's restaurant, will see new traffic lights in the coming weeks. Officials believe this change will make the area safer for both drivers an
Partnership Focuses on Gulf Environment Protection
By OBA Staff July 25, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Auburn University and Orange Beach officials celebrated a major breakthrough Thursday with the start of construction on a new research station. The facility, backed by Auburn's engineering college, is expected to boost environmental studies along the Gulf Coast. Leaders from the university
Gulf Shores hurricane decals
By OBA Staff July 25, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Shores Police Department released details on its Hurricane Decal program. Police Chief Dan Netemeyer explained the system for property owners. These decals are crucial for public safety and convenience. They provide residents with two significant benefits.
Foley students, families, and teachers come together for inaugural alumni meeting
By OBA Staff July 25, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley Sister Cities has taken a big step forward with the launch of its first-ever Global Leaders Alumni Association. The group’s first meeting took place this week at Baumhower’s Victory Grill in Foley. Graduating program students, their families, dedicated teachers, chaperones...
Gulf of America Homeland Security
By OBA Staff July 24, 2025
Loxley, Ala. — (OBA) — In the past few weeks, several Baldwin County businesses and construction sites have experienced immigration enforcement by the Gulf of America Homeland Security Task Force. This week Federal agents carried out an immigration enforcement operation at the construction site for the new Loxley Eleme
BJ’s Wholesale Club Expands with Foley Store Plans
By OBA Staff July 24, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Residents in Foley will soon have a new option for bulk shopping as BJ’s Wholesale Club plans to open its second Alabama location in the city. The project was recommended for approval by the Foley Planning Commission, marking a significant step forward for the retail development. The new store wil
Foley, Alabama's Building Inspectors
By OBA Staff July 24, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley, Alabama, stands out for its strong focus on safe home building. The city ranks fourth in the nation for homes certified as fortified by Smart Home America. These certifications mean buildings can better handle hurricanes and other bad weather. City officials say this work keeps residents sa
Flora-Bama Ole River Grill
By OBA Staff July 23, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Flora-Bama Ole River Grill has earned a spot among nominees in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for the best local sports bar in 2025. This popular venue sits right on the Florida-Alabama line, making it a key hangout for folks in Florida and Alabama. It stands out with its m
Coastal Tailgate Cook-Off Challenge Returns to Orange Beach
By R. Ken Cooper July 23, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach will come alive on Saturday, August 23, 2025, as the Coastal Tailgate Cook-Off Challenge returns to The Wharf, promising a feast for the senses along with plenty of spirited competition. Organized by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, this event uniquely blends the excitemen
Show More