Baldwin County School District Celebrates Renovation of Board of Education Office Ribbon Cutting

The Baldwin Board of Education & Friends cut the official ribbon for the Board Office Renovation.

The Baldwin County School District recently celebrated the grand reopening of its newly renovated Board of Education Office with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that honored the vision and leadership of Superintendent Dr. Noris Price. The project holds special significance, as Dr. Price made it a personal priority to see the renovation completed before the conclusion of her 11-year tenure as Superintendent.

For years, the Board Office building had long needed updates—leaky roofs, aging carpet, and failing HVAC systems were persistent issues. Despite recognizing the need, Dr. Price consistently prioritized student-centered projects first. "She put it off for 11 years," noted Board Director Wes Cummings during the ceremony. "She always focused on schools first; facilities that would directly serve children and families."

The BOE Board Room BEFORE renovation

The BOE Board Room AFTER renovation

With her retirement approaching, Dr. Price expressed a desire to complete the Board Office renovation so that future leadership and community members would have a welcoming and functional space. "Dr. Price wanted to leave this District with a Board Office that truly reflected the pride we have in our schools and our work," Cummings said during the event.

PBK Field Representative Roger Bloodworth and PBK Architect Tanya Rawdin discuss the overhaul of Board Office.

The redesigned space, crafted in collaboration with PBK architect Tanya Rawdin and construction management teams at Garbutt Construction, now features the county’s official colors throughout the building. It includes a modernized, more versatile boardroom designed with students and families in mind. In fact, the Early Learning Center, previously without an auditorium, can now use the board room for performances, thanks to a new movable stage and expanded seating for up to 280 guests.

"The boardroom is a place where we celebrate our students," Dr. Price told visitors, "We host recognitions here every month. It needed to be a space that welcomed children first, and now it truly does."

Dr. Noris Price along with representatives Garbutt and PBK pose in front of the newly renovated Board Room.

Construction teams worked on a tight timeline, completing the majority of the project in just eight weeks. District staff temporarily relocated to the Early Learning Center to allow the renovation to proceed, demonstrating the teamwork and dedication of all involved. The Board Office team returned just in time for the start of the 2024-2025 school year, another testament to their commitment.

This renovation joins an impressive list of capital projects completed under Dr. Price’s leadership, including improvements at Midway Hills Primary, Midway Hills Academy, the Braves Field stadium, athletic complex, and Lakeview Primary. Renovations at Lakeview Academy and Baldwin High School are currently in the works, thanks to the passing of ESPLOST VII.

"It’s a fitting way to close out an extraordinary 11-year tenure," said Cummings, "with a ribbon and a bow on a project that speaks to Dr. Price’s dedication to Baldwin County’s students, staff, and future."