Alabama Public Charter School Commission delays Birmingham school’s opening

Downtown Birmingham viewed from Red Mountain. Birmingham is one of the largest banking centers in the United States and has a long history as a steel and iron producer. (John Coletti/The Image Bank)

The Alabama Public Charter School Commission Friday agreed to a delayed opening of a Birmingham Charter School.

Under an amended contract unanimously approved by the board, Freedom Preparatory Academy, which currently operates in Memphis, will need to open on or before Sept. 13.

The school has been a topic of discussion at several meetings over the past few months including around enrollment and facilities. Roblin Webb, founder and chief executive officer of Freedom Preparatory Academy, said the enrollment was at 67 students.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Lane Knight, an attorney for the commission, said the school could open before Sept. 13 “after they have their approvals in place.” The commission plans to meet on Sept. 12 if they don’t have them.

Members of the commission rejected a proposal to extend the opening to the fall of 2025. Webb told the commission that she anticipated being ready to open on Sept. 5, but asked for Sept. 9, “just to be safe.”

Logan Searcy, executive director of the commission, suggested providing them a longer period. A delayed opening could impact state dollars for the school in the future based on average daily membership, or the number of kids who come to school during a period near the beginning of the year.

The school has outstanding requirements with the Child Nutrition Program and the Division of Construction Management. Knight said that those requirements included laying concrete to meet ADA requirements and fire alarm testing, as well as approval from the Child Nutrition Program. The Alabama State Department of Education manages and implements the USDA Child Nutrition Program.

DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST