We listen to parents
 

One of the responsibilities of Birmingham City School System administrators -- from assistant principals to the superintendent -- is to listen to what parents say about various issues. We have been hearing what parents are saying and are taking action.

Parents have told us about issues with the district uniform policy. They have said it is difficult to at times to manage only the required white and light blue shirts and hard to find shoes that met the restrictions in the policy.

We know that parents purchase cell phones for their children because they want the security of being able to contact them after school. Even though possession of cell phones during the school day has been against the rules, many students have had them.

The Birmingham Board of Education has approved changes to the code of student conduct that expand colors that students may wear, remove most restrictions on footwear and allow students to possess cell phones during the school day, with restrictions, of course.

Click here to read more.

We are still listening. Many parents find the annual registration process frustrating. They ask why, if they have not moved, they have to fill out the same forms every year and question the number of documents they must complete.

We are working on simplifying registration and are in the process of creating a registration form that parents will be able to fill out and submit it on line. An online application for free and reduced-price meals also will be available for the new school year.

We do appreciate the support our parents give our schools, and we want to do our best to meet their changing needs.

Superintendent
Birmingham City Schools