As early as next week, the Baldwin County Commission could authorize around $5 million in financial support for Baldwin Preparatory Academy, more than a year after the groundbreaking for the school last summer.

Construction is progressing on the vocational school, which is set to open next July, in time for the 2024-2025 school year.

“I hope we’re that norm-setter, for the state and for the nation,” Baldwin County Schools Superintendent Eddie Tyler said during a tour of the school building site. “If you can’t get excited and passionate about what this will give, the opportunity for young people, if you just can’t get excited about it, then maybe you need to check yourself at the door.”

Roger Rendleman, Baldwin County administrator, says that he’s hoping the commission will consider the money for the school on Dec. 19. Failing that, he said the commission will consider giving the money in early January.