Birmingham City Schools Announce Remote Start To School Year

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Amid growing numbers of COVID-19 cases in Jefferson County, Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan announced Wednesday that students will begin the 2020-21 school year at home. Sullivan said the first nine weeks of the school year will use a remote learning platform for all students.

School is scheduled to start August 24.

"We are committed to keeping our students safe and providing the best and safest learning environment possible," Sullivan said at a news conference Wednesday. "This decision was not made lightly."

Sullivan said teachers in the system began the process of training for virtual learning platforms in March and will continue to be trained throughout the semester. He also said he realizes the divide between Birmingham City Schools and other school systems in regard to access to digital learning.

"I am committed to working to ensure that our students progress and our employees have the support needed to make this year a success," Sullivan said. He added that the system's plan is to provide students with electronic devices and families with internet hot spots if they have no access to internet.

School systems in Mobile, Montgomery and Huntsville made similar announcements Wednesday as the state confirmed a record 57 COVID-19 deaths over the last 24 hours, and the state has reported more than 22,000 new cases of the virus in the last two weeks.

SEE ALSO:

• Jefferson County Releases COVID-19 Stats By ZIP Code
• SWAC Moves Fall Sports To Spring Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
• When Does School Start? Schools Systems Adjust Calendars For 2020-21 School Year