Baldwin County Board of Education hires Shane Martin as new CSFO; John Wilson to assist during transition

The Baldwin County Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Shane Martin as the district’s new chief school financial officer during a special board meeting. The board voted to approve the CSFO appointment and employment contract, and board members and local officials publicly thanked outgoing CSFO John Wilson for his service.

The appointment was placed on the agenda as “CSFO appointment and employment contract.” Superintendent Tyler recommended the motion; a board member moved it and another seconded. The board chair called for a voice/hand vote and the motion carried. "Unanimously hired," the meeting record shows.

The hire drew public acknowledgments from local officials. Mayor Ralph Hemlick of Foley praised Wilson’s integrity and his work with a local feeder-pattern committee, saying, "He's exceptional." State Representative Alan Baker also thanked Wilson, calling him "wonderful" and crediting Wilson with helping the district stabilize its finances over the years.

Superintendent Tyler said the board is "passing the torch" from one CSFO to another and confirmed that Martin’s first day with the district will be Sept. 8. The superintendent said Wilson will work with Martin during Martin’s initial week on the job.

Board members who participated in the motion and voice vote included Andrea (mover), April (second), Rodney, Tony and others who signaled unanimous approval. The meeting record shows the board then invited attendees to stay for a budget hearing scheduled to begin about five minutes after adjournment.

The item was procedural: the agenda packet noted the appointment and included an employment contract provided to board members under separate cover. The transcript did not specify Martin’s salary or other contract terms in the public record.

The board’s action formalizes the district’s succession in its finance leadership ahead of the upcoming budget hearing.