SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Members of the Baldwin County Education Coalition unveiled a blueprint Tuesday night for creating a “long-range plan of action” to improve area schools and the community that supports them.

The initiative, known as “Yes We Can Baldwin County,” outlines needs identified by members of the community throughout a series of 85 “conversations” to not only improve conditions in Baldwin County schools — and, in turn, the success rates of students — but to strengthen the community-at-large in the process.

At its core, the agreement presented during Tuesday’s Baldwin County Board of Education work session examines factors that led to current conditions while outlining a strategic long-term improvement plan alongside implementation strategies.

From “stable, adequate and fair funding” to smaller class sizes and a reduced dropout rate, participants propose improved communication, “data-driven” accountability measures and responsive leadership to ensure all students are ready for life after high school, whether in college or the work force.

A better-educated population with access to higher-paying jobs will not only ensure more students remain in Baldwin County after graduation but will improve the county’s ability to attract and retain more employers, the coalition states.

Coalition spokesperson Denise D’Oliveira said the process was modeled after the Mobile Area Education Foundation’s successful “Yes We Can” initiative eight years ago. Baldwin County results, she said, are based on the participation of some 1,300 residents over the course of 14 weeks.