Baldwin Teachers Resting A Little Easier

Spanish Fort High School Athletic Director Bryant Vincent says the stress is gone and the knots in his stomach are finally untangled now that voters approved a three-year, one cent school sales tax.

"We're all relieved after the vote last night," says Vincent. "It speaks volumes. It speaks volumes. For the people of Baldwin County to come and vote yes on a one cent sales tax the way the economy is right now, it just speaks volumes about how they value education in this county."

Coach Vincent, a non-tenured teacher, says he was prepared to take another job in a different field immediately if the sales tax was not passed.

"We had to go out and look and prepared for the worst. A plan B. But I'm just extremely proud of the students that were able to vote and of the people of Baldwin County who went out and voted yes."

Because the tax hike was approved, school board officials say hundreds of teachers will keep their jobs and athletics and fine arts will not be cut.

The one-cent tax will be implemented within 30 to 60 days.