Tagged: Birmingham Craig Witherspoon

Parents and teachers are expressing concerns about plans to close seven schools and lay off 133 workers in Birmingham City Schools.

At a Monday night meeting, community members said they feared the consequences of one aspect of the plan: Consolidating some seventh- and eighth-grade students with high school students.

Stephannie Huey says she's taught at the middle school and high school level, and doesn't think the two groups will mix well. She said middle school students would be exposed to more sexual activity, drugs and cigarettes.

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

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.