Officials Weigh In Ahead Of Study For Northport School System

*This story has been updated with comments from Tuscaloosa County School System Superintendent Keri Johnson*

NORTHPORT, AL — Few debates in Northport City Hall have been as protracted as the topic of the city breaking away from the Tuscaloosa County School System to form its own municipal school district. In a debate coupled with concerns over rising property taxes and the city's ability to support the 11 schools within its city limits, Northport leaders are one step closer to understanding the potential impacts.

Monday's regular meeting will see a presentation of results from a feasibility study, which will be provided by John Myrick and Wayne Vickers of the Alabaster City School District. Both men were instrumental in the formation of the city school district in one of Alabama's most prosperous cities, along with also helping establish a successful city school district in Saraland, Alabama.

Click here to see the full agenda from Monday's meeting.

The recent feasibility study is not the first, however, but following the last study favorably pointing to the city's ability to support its own municipal school district, the results are likely to remain the same following the growth in rooftops and tax revenue for the city over the last year.

Northport Mayor Bobby Herndon told Patch on Friday that no action will be taken following Monday's presentation, as it will serve more as an opportunity for the Council and those in the community to hear the results and ask questions.

"About 10 or 11 years ago, when the previous Council asked for a feasibility study, it showed we could do it, but no action was taken," Herndon said. "And with a lot of citizen remarks and questions and concerns, they can now have an updated feasibility study."

Along with the mayor, Council members Jamie Dykes and Woodrow Washington have both been instrumental in the push for a municipal school district in their roles on the Council's Community Outreach Committee. Both policymakers have been vocal in their appreciation for the county school system and have even pointed to the move taking some of the strain off a school system with nearly 19,000 students.

For Washington's District 2, his primary goal — even on the campaign trail heading into his first term — has been to see new school buildings constructed for Collins-Riverside Middle School, Matthews Elementary and Crestmont Elementary School. These schools represent the oldest school buildings in Northport under the umbrella of the Tuscaloosa County School System, in a part of the city that is predominately African-American.

"To me, it's trying to get a way to get kids in new schools and making sure they get a top-notch education," Washington said.

Dykes represents the city's District 4, with its only school being Huntington Place Elementary.

The councilwoman said Monday's presentation will be crucial in understanding the next steps forward, as the idea has received public consensus from the current Council in recent discussions.

"I think it's something we have to look at and it's nothing against the county school system, but it's what’s in the best interest for the City of Northport," Dykes told Patch on Friday. "Other perks, people start moving here and retail starts growing, so I think it's something we have to look at."

Council President Jeff Hogg expressed positivity to Patch concerning what he views as the city's proactive approach in broadening City Hall's involvement in community institutions, while also accommodating to the will of constituents.

"Whether the citizens want to move forward with this approach or learn how to better partner with TCSS, will be their decision," he said. "I think we can all agree that whatever route is taken, that our children deserve the best educational experience they can receive."

While forming its own municipal school system would inevitably result in higher ad valorem taxes, Dykes pointed out that Northport is the third largest city in Alabama without its own school system and the benefits would far outweigh the downsides.

"If we’re going to raise it, we might as well do it for our kids and our schools," she said.

TCSS Superintendent Keri Johnson told Patch that she was aware of the Northport City Council investigating the possibility of forming its own school system and respected their right to do so.

"We will continue serving our students and families who live in Northport, just as we do those who live across the rest of Tuscaloosa County," she said in a statement. "Right now, we’re focused on planning for a great new school year, with a return to the activities and traditions our schools enjoyed prior to the pandemic. Within the Tuscaloosa County High School feeder pattern, we’re looking forward to the opening of a new school, upgrades to Wildcat Stadium and excitement within athletics, technological advancements within our schools, and new opportunities for students across all grades."

Johnson also said the system was actively looking for ways to make improvements to some of its older facilities within the TCHS feeder pattern.

"This is an issue that’s important across the entire Tuscaloosa County School System, with 12 facilities that are 50 years or older," she said. "While I understand the interest Northport municipal leaders have in investigating a possible city school system, TCSS is proud to serve our students who live within the Northport city limits, and we’re going to continue creating new opportunities for them.”

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