Birmingham Explores Extended School Hours to Combat Violence
In an effort to tackle the ongoing issue of gun violence, Birmingham City Councilor Clinton Woods has come forward with a proposal to extend school hours for Birmingham City Schools. Currently, students attend school for 8 hours, but Woods is suggesting that this could be increased to 10 hours. If approved, the school day would start earlier at 7 a.m. and conclude later at 5 p.m., compared to the present schedule of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m..
Community Opinions Varied
As expected, the proposal sparked a lively discussion among community members. Davis Carter, a resident who supports change, expressed optimism about the idea, especially if it comes with additional extracurricular programs. “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,” Carter shared. He emphasized the potential benefits that extra learning could bring to students.
On the flip side, not everyone is convinced that longer school hours are the solution. Jimmy Martin-Freeman raised concerns about possible negative outcomes, stating, “I don’t think that’s a good idea. If they do that it’s most def going to be way more dropouts.” Martin-Freeman’s perspective highlights a significant worry – that extending school hours could lead to students disengaging from their education.
Mixed Feelings from Alumni
Sheepa Ashanti, a former student of Birmingham City Schools, expressed her mixed feelings regarding the proposed change. She acknowledged the need for measures to reduce violence but questioned the effectiveness of extending school hours. “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,” she explained. Ashanti emphasized that even with extended hours, the underlying issues of violence might still persist, as students could find themselves in similar situations during the evenings.
Alternative Solutions on the Table
Jay Hurt offered another perspective, suggesting that creating safe spaces for youth outside of school might yield better results than simply extending hours. “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,” Hurt proposed. His plea for recreational facilities reflects a desire for more community engagement options for young people.
Concerns About Early Start Times
Others, like Bunni Lerille, voiced practical concerns about the proposed start time. “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 wind down time, like relax, do something else, learn like an extra skill, I think that could be beneficial,” she mentioned. Lerille seems open to the idea of longer days, but advocates for a more balanced approach that allows students to relax and enjoy productive activities.
Community Call for Action
Despite the differing opinions, there’s a general consensus that something needs to be done about the rising violence in Birmingham. “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,” noted community member Kevin Simpson. The community stands united in recognizing the gravity of the situation, even as they debate the best methods for addressing it.
A City in Search of Solutions
The conversation around extending school hours is still in its early stages, with no definitive decisions made just yet. What’s clear is that the community is passionate about finding effective ways to ensure Birmingham’s youth are safe while also fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth. As local leaders and residents continue to discuss this proposal, many hope that whatever measures are taken can truly make a difference for the better.
