Baldwin School Closing A Possibility?

The Baldwin County Board of Education says the budget crisis could cripple the already struggling school district.

"We're in a horrific situation in Baldwin County," says school spokesman Terry Wilhite. "If revenue relief is not found, you'll see schools close, you'll see additional employees laid off."

School officials would not officially confirm what schools could close, but did tell us Stapleton School could be on the economic chopping block.

"Anytime there's a lower student count with a higher operational cost, those schools are always in contention when times get tough," says Wilhite.

Stapleton Elementary has less than 300 students and closing the school would save the district millions of dollars...money needed to help offset a major budget shortfall. To avoid school closing and more layoffs, the Board of Education says they will either have to borrow money or get federal and state relief. But in a time of proration and recession, both options could be impossible.