Community reacts to councilor’s idea of extending Birmingham City Schools two hours to curb violence

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) — As an effort to curb gun violence, Birmingham City Councilor Clinton Woods proposed an idea that would extend school hours for Birmingham City Schools from 8 hours to 10 hours.

According to Woods, school would begin at 7 a.m. and last until 5 p.m. as opposed to the current hours of 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Davis Carter is one community member who said he likes the idea of extending school hours if there will be additional extracurricular programs that students could participate in.

“I’ve heard of that idea before, of extending school hours, and I think that’s great if there’s some kind of supplementary education,” said Carter.

Jimmy Martin-Freeman is another community member who said the idea may deter students from attending school.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. If they do that it’s most def going to be way more dropouts,” said Martin-Freeman.

A former Birmingham City Schools student, Sheepa Ashanti, said she has mixed feelings about the idea, saying something does need to be done to curb the violence.

“I can see where he’s trying to go with it. Like you said, because of learning, but at the same time it depends on what they’re trying to teach.” said Ashanti. “They would still find a way to indulge in violence, regardless. You still have the nighttime, you still got midnight, all of that, so they still can find a way to get out there.”

Jay Hurt, another community member, said creating a space for youth outside of school could be a better option, as they feel students being inside classrooms for hours at a time could take a toll on them.

“They should put more funds into recreational centers, because I feel like that’s where a lot of kids would want to go instead of sitting in school for another hour,” said Hurt.

Bunni Lerille says starting the day at 7 a.m. could be too early for students.

“7 a.m. is such an early time for kids to get to school that extending it to 5 p.m. might be a lot for them. But if it’s more of like, a whine down time, like relax, do something else, learn like an extra skill, I think that could be beneficial,” said Lerille.

With the proposal not set in stone, most agree something does need to be done to curb the violence.

“The violence in the city of Birmingham needs to be stopped and by them being in the Birmingham city schools they are safe and secure.” said community member, Kevin Simpson.

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