More than 500 people listen to a financial presentation from Hoover school leaders including Superintendent Andy Craig (pictured at podium). Hours of sometimes heated public comment followed.
Hoover, Ala. — Hoover school leaders recently made their case for last month’s controversial decision to end the system’s regular-ed busing program, effective next August. In light of the quick and growing outcry, the school board set up a public forum, held Thursday night at Spain Park High School, where system leaders explained school finances and heard stakeholders’ numerous concerns. Those included traffic, safety, diversity, property values, EMT response times, insurance costs, declining enrollment (and subsequent state funding), and juggling work against student transportation duties. WBHM has archived the entire meeting — and selected some key speakers and exchanges — as a matter of public record. Hoover Superintendent Andy Craig starts off the first and third selections below.
