FOLEY – Foley welcomed more than 4,000 Baldwin County Public School System teachers and staff members to kick off the 2025-26 academic year.
The school system’s annual Staff Institute took place Friday, Aug. 8, at the Foley Event Center. Teachers, administrators and support staff gathered at the city facility ahead of the first day of classes on Monday, Aug. 11.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich thanked Superintendent of Education Eddie Tyler, the Baldwin County Board of Education and school officials for choosing Foley as the host site each year.
“Thank you for bringing this event to Foley. We are so proud, Mr. Tyler, that you hold this in our city,” Hellmich said. “I appreciate it, and it’s something we take great pride in.”
The mayor, whose wife Jo is a retired teacher, praised the dedication and enthusiasm of Baldwin County educators.
“Every year I get to do this, it’s such an inspiration,” Hellmich said. “The only time I speak to 4,000 people is today, and they’re enthusiastic, excited and powerful in this room. I’m happy to be here.”