Birmingham, AL, August 2, 2025
News Summary
Birmingham City Schools is experiencing a surge in parent engagement as it addresses changes in student transfer policies. The new ‘Majority to Minority’ initiative aims to promote desegregation in Jefferson County, allowing students from the racial majority to transfer to schools where they would be minorities. Although parents express confusion over the program, the district has seen a decrease in failing schools, with recent improvements in academic performance among several institutions. Applications for transfers are now open as families navigate these new educational opportunities.
Birmingham – Birmingham City Schools is witnessing a notable increase in parent engagement as the district addresses significant changes in student transfer policies. Superintendent Mark Sullivan highlighted a recent public meeting where a parent proudly shared her decision to transfer her child from a suburban district to Birmingham City Schools, indicating a growing community desire to actively participate in the local education system.
In an effort to promote desegregation, Jefferson County Schools has introduced a new program: the “Majority to Minority” student transfer initiative. This significant policy allows students who belong to the racial majority in their zoned schools to transfer to schools where they would be in the minority, pending availability of space. The initiative is a direct response to a federal court order aimed at balancing racial demographics within the county’s schools.
Despite the good intentions behind this new program, many parents have expressed confusion regarding its implications. Questions surrounding school capacity and the educational impact on their children have emerged in discussions. Parent Eric Farley noted that the legal landscape necessitated the program, leaving the school system with little option but to comply, regardless of public sentiment.
The new transfer program is scheduled to commence this fall, and applications are now open for families wishing to take advantage of the change. Birmingham City Schools is also facing challenges as it continues to navigate a declining number of schools listed on Alabama’s “Failing Schools” list, which features schools identified as performing in the bottom 6% based on standardized test scores. This year, 13 schools from the Birmingham district made the roster, a decrease from 16 last year.
Although the number of failing schools in Birmingham City has dropped, it still ranks second in total failed establishments statewide, only behind Montgomery County Schools. Over the past three years, Dr. Mark Sullivan has reported a striking 35% decrease in schools designated as failing, a positive trend for the district. Seven specific schools have recently improved their academic performance, culminating in their removal from the failing list. The schools that achieved this milestone include Booker T. Washington K-8, Brown Elementary, Hemphill Elementary, and West End Academy, all part of a state turnaround effort.
However, efforts are ongoing, as recent evaluations indicate four new additions to the failing list this year: Arrington Elementary, Central Park Elementary, Inglenook K-8, and Parker High School. Parents of students currently enrolled in failing schools have various options available to them for transferring to more successful institutions in the upcoming academic year, providing them with more choices in their child’s education.
Key Metrics on Failing Schools
| Year | Schools on Failing List | Changes |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 16 | |
| 2022 | 13 | 3 fewer schools |
| 2023 | 13 | New additions: 4 schools |
Background Context
The initiative to transfer students from majority to minority schools aims to correct imbalances that have persisted in the education system. It seeks to enhance diversity in classrooms and provide fair opportunities. The Birmingham City Schools district is proactively working on improvement measures, which is evident from the decreasing number of failing schools. While there is progress, the journey continues as both parents and district officials navigate the evolving educational landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Majority to Minority student transfer program?
It is a program introduced by Jefferson County Schools that allows students in the racial majority of their zoned school to transfer to schools where they would be part of the minority, depending on the availability of space. This initiative aims to promote desegregation in schools within the county.
How many schools are on the Alabama “Failing Schools” list?
The current Alabama “Failing Schools” list includes 13 schools from the Birmingham City Schools district, which is a decrease of three from the previous year.
What options do families have for transferring students from failing schools?
Families of students in failing schools will have options to transfer their children to other schools next year, which may include both Birmingham City Schools and other districts that may have available slots.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Birmingham Schools Turnaround Effort
- Wikipedia: Education in Alabama
- WBRC: Jefferson County Majority to Minority Program
- Google Search: Birmingham City Schools Transfer Program
- WVTM: North Roebuck School Renovations
- Google Scholar: Alabama Failing Schools
- ABC3340: Alabama Failing Schools List
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Failure in Education
- Birmingham Times: Schools Off Failing List
- Google News: Jefferson County School Program
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
