Exciting Plans for Birmingham as New Aerospace School Eyes Second Campus Expansion

Exciting News for Birmingham: A New Aerospace School on the Horizon!

Bessemer is buzzing with excitement lately! The Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School, which opened its doors just last year in 2022, is looking to expand into Birmingham. That’s right—there’s a chance for a second campus in the lively Magic City! This ambitious project seeks to cater to a growing demand in the aerospace and aviation fields, which is music to the ears of many education enthusiasts and future pilots alike.

Growing Enrollment and Big Dreams

Mauri Robinson, the Director of Operations in Finance at the school, is the spokesperson for this exciting development. Robinson reflects on how the original vision was always to establish the school within Birmingham itself. Back in 2020, when they first tried to get approval, things didn’t pan out as hoped. But they learned a vital lesson about the importance of having *data* to support their case.

Fast forward to today, and they’re proud to report that they have approximately 200 students currently enrolled! With an inaugural graduating class set for May 2025, they’re thrilled to announce that three of those students will receive their high school diploma along with a private pilot’s license! How impressive is that?

Current Situation in Bessemer

Robinson also mentioned that the school is reaching capacity at its current location in Bessemer. The school is in the process of moving to the nearby Bessemer Airport, a change that brings about exciting new opportunities for the program. However, Robinson reassures everyone that the Bessemer location won’t be closing down anytime soon, even as they set their sights on Birmingham’s expansion.

Potential New Locations

But where exactly will this new Birmingham campus land? Well, it turns out they’re eyeing two potential sites. One is on the prestigious campus of Birmingham Southern College, and the other is an intriguing find: the long-vacant Kirby Middle School. Robinson highlights the advantages of Kirby’s structure, making it suitable for a school like theirs. “It has the bones and structure that we could come in and renovate,” he notes.

What’s Next?

The excitement doesn’t stop there! In an effort to secure a home for their future students, the school currently has a letter of intent with one of the bidders for Birmingham Southern. While that particular deal didn’t pan out, Robinson is optimistic about possibilities with whoever eventually purchases that property.

Critical Career Paths

With a pilot shortage affecting the nation, this school is stepping in to make a significant impact. Robinson explains, “The industry is looking for what we are doing. We are filling that gap.” If everything falls into place, this new campus could open its doors in the Fall of 2026! That’s just around the corner!

The Road Ahead: Get Ready for a Vote!

So, what does all of this mean for Birmingham residents? A public hearing was recently held, which marks an important step in the petition process. The Birmingham Board of Education is set to vote on whether to approve the charter school during their January meeting. If they deny the application, the high school has the option to appeal to the state commission. That means the dream for a new campus is not quite over, even in the face of challenges.

Final Thoughts

This situation is certainly one to keep your eyes on. With a commitment to raising the next generation of aviators, the Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School might just become a centerpiece for student success in Birmingham. There’s a buzz in the air, and it’s not just from the planes, but from the hope and ambition of students ready to take to the skies!