Should the three year, one-cent sales tax come up short on March 27, when the citizens of Baldwin County go to polls to decide its future, the loss of teacher units will greatly increase class sizes and reduce the overall safety and efficiency at the local level, said officials from the school system's central office.

           If the voters see fit to pass the tax then classes would remain at their current sizes, and instructional programs would be improved.

           There's a possibility that several schools could be closed if the tax isn't passed and the state budget is severely cut. The students would be consolidated into another school, but parents and students alike would be inconvenienced as a result. Closure is seen as a last resort kind of move, but if the money to operate isn't there some tough decisions will have to be made.

           The system's central office will continue to reduce staff by attrition. There will also be a continued reduction of operational budgets and services. That means each school would be unable to keep the grounds up as they should, or be able to keep the schools at the levels of cleanliness that have come to be expected.

           Even if the tax passes central office will continue to reduce by attrition, however, there would be money available to cut the grass, clean the classrooms and bathrooms, as well as perform basic repairs and maintenance.

           If the tax doesn't pass, the numbers pretty much speak for themselves as the school would finish the year in the red by some $4.8 million. Next year the deficit would be $17.4 million and in 2012 it would grow to $31.3 million in the red.

           Should the voters pass this tax the school system would finish this year with $2.9 million in the black. Next year there would be $7.7 million in the emergency fund, and in 2012, the final year of the tax, the system would finish the year $9.8 million in the black.

           Tickets to this year's Robertsdale High prom, which will be held at the Baldwin County Coliseum in Robertsdale on March 27, beginning at 7 p.m., will go up in price to $30 per ticket at the conclusion of school on February 12.

           The "Alive at 25," program, which is being promoted by Dr. Cindy Erickson's Peer Helpers, will be coming to the Daphne Civic Center, February 27, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

           There is no cost to the students as they will receive a free lunch and T-shirts for attending this driving program. By taking the course they may qualify for a reduction in their insurance rates. To register, go to http://www.citrinlaw.com/, then go to "Road Safety," which is located on the bar, and click on "Alive at 25."

           Seventh Green was the winner of RHS's Battle of the Bands, which was held February 3 in the school gymnasium. Alter Echo placed second, and Intertwine finished in third place. All three bands received a monitary prize, but the teachers were the overall winners in that the funds that were raised went into the copier fund.

           The RHS Golden Bear Athletic Booster Club will be hosting an athletic fundraiser on February 20, beginning at 6 p.m. at Waters' Outback Barn in Robertsdale. This year's location for the event has changed from the Robertsdale PZK Civic Center because of the need for more space.

           The $100 ticket covers up to four adults, (you must be 21 or older to attend) and includes food, live entertainment, and the opportunity to win door prizes, as well as the $5,000 grand prize.

           Students who will have attained sophomore through senior status, and who are interested in exploring the career field of medicine this summer may register on-line for the Summer Scrubs Program at http://www.summerscrubs.com/.

           "The program, which is sponsored by the Bay Area Health Coalition and the Workforce Development of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, is an excellent way for a student to gain hands-on experience in the medical field," said Marsha Flint, a counselor at RHS.

           Flint said the counselors would be glad to advise the students about the Summer Scrubs Program, which will be held July 26-30, but that application would have to be made on-line.