Birmingham School Superintendent Gets Extension

Leaders have approved a contract extension for the superintendent of Birmingham's troubled school system.

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Credit blog.al.com

Birmingham School Superintendent Craig Witherspoon is receiving a two year contract extension.

The city school board extended Craig Witherspoon's contract by two years during a meeting Tuesday.

Some members weren't happy, saying they felt pressured to vote because of state support for Witherspoon. The extension passed on a 5-4 vote.

The state took over Birmingham's city school system in June, citing financial problems. The system lacks sufficient funding reserves required under a state law.

Board members previously tried to fire Witherspoon. He says he now wants to focus on moving the system forward.

The system is under the fiscal control of a state-appointed financial officer. Board members must slash $12 million from the budget, which could mean job cuts and school consolidations or closings.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.