LOXLEY, Ala. – The Baldwin County Board of Education voted in a special meeting Tuesday night to join the County Commission in its claim against BP for tax money lost during last year’s Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

The BOE convened the special meeting Tuesday at its Central Office in Loxley just after 5 p.m. and went immediately into executive session to discuss pending litigation with attorneys.

At approximately 5:55 p.m., the Board broke executive session and Dr. Alan Lee called for a vote on the matter, which was approved 5-1 with little discussion.

Board Chair Angie Swiger and members Frank Trione, Robert Wills, Norm Moore and Tracy Roberts all voted for the measure. Board member Robert Callahan voted against with Elmer McDaniel not present for Tuesday’s meeting.

Lee called the County Commission claim “significantly greater” than the Board’s claim and said that he felt it was important that the two agencies work together to resolve the matter.

“Our experts concluded our losses were about $2.4 million,” Lee said after Tuesday’s meeting. “Their claims were significantly higher and we have agreed it is in our best interest to work together in this matter.”

Under the terms of the agreement, the Board will accept $2.4 million from the County Commission while the Commission moves forward with a claim of $11.95 million against BP. If the county receives more than $2.4 million, the Board will receive those monies minus legal fees.

When asked about his dissenting vote, Callahan said he voted his conscience in the matter, but supported the decision of the Board.

“It is in the best interest of the School System that this matter be resolved,” he said.