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Local Realtors support
a "top-notch" school system
for Fairhope
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Jeff Barnes, Coldwell Banker Reehl Properties; Morgan Ashurst, Ashurst & Niemeyer Realty; Mary Cane, Courtney & Morris.
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As Realtors who live and work in Fairhope, we are very interested in any factors that affect not only the value of property, but also the overall quality of life. When we meet with a company wanting to relocate or potential home buyers new to the area, always, the first question we get is, "How are the schools?" We would love to be able to tell them our schools are among the best in the state, and that by choosing to live in Fairhope, they are choosing to invest in a community that has great pride in its schools.
We've seen the research, and the research consistently points to one overall theme: holding all else constant, homes in high-performing school districts sell for higher prices than homes in low-performing school districts. This impacts all of us, especially during a down economy when our primary investment, i.e. our home, can be our greatest asset.
The studies (Public Schools and Economic Development. Jonathan D. Weiss, 2004) consider a variety of factors in analyzing school quality and its impact on property values. One study found that a five percent increase in test scores leads to a willingness to pay 2.1 percent more for houses associated with the scores. Another study concluded that the "housing market consistently rewards" high-proficiency test passage rates as well as high expenditures per pupil and low pupil-teacher ratio (class size).
One study found that the average class size within a school district is the strongest educational factor, and one of the most significant factors generally, in determining property values. In addition, the researchers noted that larger districts adversely affect property values, perhaps due to the perception of inefficiency, but that larger individual school size has a positive affect on values, perhaps due to a perception of increased course offerings.
Bottom line, there is much at stake here. Whether we have children or grandchildren in the schools, we can all reap the benefits of providing a top-notch school system for the children of our community.
We proudly support Good2Great. We proudly support the Fairhope schools.
Morgan Ashurst
Jeff Barnes
Mary Courtney Cane
Rance Reehl
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Dot Yeager
Roberts Brothers/A Dauphin Realty Partner
Represents a family with six generations in Fairhope and all proudly part of Fairhope schools.
"I graduated from the old K-1 building in the early 40's with 32 in my class. We were so proud of our town and proud of our school. And though we left and moved away, all of us couldn't wait to get back. There was a connection between the community and our schools. One was involved with the other and it made things special. One of the first three questions I get from a home buyer is about the schools. It's not an easy answer anymore. I have a granddaughter who's a teacher, and grandchildren in Fairhope schools today. And what I see now is a school board and a system so big it doesn't seem to be listening to the teachers, the principals or the people. Creating our own school system may seem like a leap of faith, but sitting back and waiting for change isn't an option. We just have too much to lose."
Dot Yeager, Supporter of Good2Great
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Local Support for Local Schools
Nearly 600 individuals and businesses in Fairhope stepped up for local support and decision making for our schools. Check out the full page message of G2G support from the August 28th Baldwin Register, and the names of those who have pledged their support since Aug. 28.
Good2Great Newspaper ad - Aug. 28, 2011 Names published since Aug. 28, 2011 Since our last publication, the list of supporters grows: Randy and Margy Best Brandi and Chris Corbett Butch and Beth Henry Trey and Claire Jinright Haney Jones Chris and Lorrie Katsimpalis Kurtis Nelms and Tina Young Nelms Katherine Seibt Amy Smith Dot Yeend Yeager
Add your name to the list by sending us an e-mail: fairhopeschoolsgood2great@gmail.com
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Recent study relates home value trend to city school system
Dr. Keivan Deravi, professor of economics at Auburn University Montgomery, recently completed a study in which he derived a formula to predict home values in communities with and without a city school system. His study included a comparative analysis of six Alabama cities--pre- and post establishment of a city school school system--and included population growth, housing values, housing permits, sales tax revenues, and
demographic information.
Using his formula, Dr. Deravi determined that a home in Pike Road, AL, valued at $220,000 in 2008, would have an estimated value of $264,000 in 2020 with a city school system, and $217,000 without a city school system. The Pike Road community recently voted in favor of a property tax to fund a city school system.
To view the study, click here.
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Rance Reehl
Coldwell Banker Reehl Properties
"When my wife and I moved here in the early 90s the growth in Baldwin County was explosive. Families were pulling their kids out of private schools and heading to the Eastern Shore.
It wasn't industry, it was great schools and the quality of life it creates. We all realize it's a different day. The studies and the stats speak for themselves: the cities in this state where people most want to live have smaller, city school systems. They've proven their benefits from Mountain Brook to Auburn to Trussville. I have to think our community together could do a better job deciding how and where to spend our dollars." Rance Reehl, Supporter of Good2Great
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G2G
Leadership Team
Robert Seaborn
Bob Baumhower
Diana Brewer
Cecil Christenberry
Robin Coleman
Jenny Douglass
Kerry Flowers
Bob Gentle
Scott Hutchinson
Kristen Laraway
Cindy McBrearty
Elizabeth Phyfer
Hill Robinson
Julia Summerlin
Amy Greer Thompson
Pam Turner
Amanda VanDerHeyden
Mac & Gina Walcott
Matt White
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Get Your G2G Gear
G2G window stickers
and t-shirts available
at Windmill Market
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