State announces takeover of Birmingham School System - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

State announces takeover of Birmingham School System

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By WBRC Staff - email
Dr. Richardson discusses the takeover during a Wednesday press conference. Dr. Richardson discusses the takeover during a Wednesday press conference.

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BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) -

The Alabama State Department of Education announced on Wednesday that they would be taking over the finances of the Birmingham School System.

The takeover comes after the Birmingham Board of Education failed to pass a financial plan that would have saved the system millions of dollars while cutting around 100 jobs. The plan would have brought the school system into compliance with state law and prevented the takeover.

On Wednesday, the state announced that Dr. Ed Richardson, who headed the team that investigated the system, would be appointed as the CFO of Birmingham schools. He seemed to feel that the Birmingham BOE is most responsible for the issue at hand.

"We hear a lot of talk and chatter, but no one saying let's do what's best for children," said Richardson at the news conference. "The Birmingham Board of Education is only Board in state not to submit plan to come up with reserve… We've tried since May to work with (Birmingham BOE) to get a plan to come up with the $17-million reserve, given them extra time, it was defeated."

Richardson says that more cuts must be made to the school system than the ones offered and rejected by the Birmingham BOE. July 17 is when the cuts are expected to take place.

According to Richardson, the school year for Birmingham could be delayed from 3 days to 2 weeks due to the takeover and the cuts. He adds that the problems have also put the Birmingham School System's accreditation at risk.

According to state school officials, the takeover could last anywhere from two to four years.

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