Pouring rain lasting almost all morning didn't keep people away as four Baldwin County schools celebrated ribbon cuttings for new athletic and band facilities, which cost a total of $32,917,599.

Baldwin County High School, Spanish Fort High School, Robertsdale High School and Elberta High School each had uniquely designed projects.

Baldwin County Public Schools (BCPS) Superintendent Eddie Tyler spoke at each ribbon cutting on how each school faculty was able to design the facility they wanted allowing the projects to be created in a "grassroots" fashion.

Principals, coaches and athletic directors presented their wants to the architects and board of education, and the projects went from there.

"And this is all local money," Tyler said. "It's just like our building campaign; no taxes to the citizens of Baldwin County, this is a full investment from the board and their blessing to move forward and fund these projects. It's exciting to see."

He said the facilities will benefit future generations of BCPS students for many years to come.

Schools in Daphne, Fairhope and Foley are currently undergoing construction for their new athletic and band facilities, which are set to open sometime next year.

Alabama State Board of Education District 1 representative Jackie Zeigler attended some of the ribbon cuttings and applauded the style the facilities were designed with input from the staff and community, allowing their voices to be heard in the construction process.

She said one size does not fit all, "especially in education."

"There's too much cookie cutter and trying to make everything exactly the same and that doesn't work," she said. "Every school has different needs and different desires."

BALDWIN COUNTY HIGH

The total project cost for Baldwin County High School's upgrades was $8,193,942. Included was a new 10,000-square-foot band room, a 4,950-square-foot locker area, an 11,000-square-foot gym and a 4,400-square-foot training facility.

The school's principal, Richard Paul, said the new facility will help the school tremendously as a multipurpose building.

"This morning is just a big thank you for investing not in us as employees but investing in the future of Bay Minette, investing in the children of this community," he said.

ELBERTA HIGH

Elberta High School's additions cost a total of $6,186,458. Included was a 10,000-square-foot indoor practice facility, new weight equipment, bleachers, public restrooms and field turf.

John Shotts, Elberta High School principal, said the faculty and staff are glad to see this new project as they've been "working hard to build something special."

"It's already been a huge benefit to our student athletes and it's just going to continue to be that," he said. "It's always great to be able to break ground on something new."

ROBERTSDALE HIGH

Robertsdale High School had the highest cost with the total project costing $10,280,860. Upgrades included a new band room, gym, training room complete with weight equipment and an additional 292 parking spaces.

William White, Robertsdale High School principal, said the new facilities were appreciated by students and staff.

"This is something we are very fortunate to have," he said. "We take a lot of great pride in this new facility, and we just thank you all so much for supporting Robertsdale High School."

SPANISH FORT HIGH

Additions to Spanish Fort High School cost a total of $8,256,339. These included a new baseball locker room at 3,322 square feet, a 6,200-square-foot weight room and a 5,660-square-foot wrestling building.

Upgrades also included some renovations to the track, field turf, stadium lighting, concession stand and the field house.

Spanish Fort High School Principal Shannon Smith said the improvements will benefit every sport on campus.

"We had this vision, and we're very grateful that Baldwin County was able to take our vision and then make it come to fruition," she said. "We're very proud of what we have."