Birmingham Considering Spanish-English Charter School
Charter Schools are scheduled to open in Alabama by the start of the next school year. In Birmingham, at least one of these non-traditional schools funded with public money may take on a new mission: Spanish immersion through an approach often called “dual-language,” where students don’t just learn Spanish, but other subjects in Spanish. It would be the first charter of its kind in the state.
The Birmingham City Schools district has to start requesting proposals for next school year by November 1. School leaders at a Tuesday meeting discussed converting at least one existing school to a dual language charter school.
“We know, when we look at other countries, a number of them well prepare their students, even at the grammar school level and beyond, to be able to speak a second language,” says Superintendent Kelley Castlin-Gacutan.
The Birmingham school board is a state-approved charter school authorizer. That means the district can approve or deny new, or “start-up,” charter schools. The school system can also convert one of its existing schools into a charter school.
On Tuesday, board members said they still have questions about the impact of charter schools. Some also discussed the need for more community input. The board is planning another meeting on charter schools next week.
Auburn tabs USF’s Alex Golesh as its next coach, replacing Hugh Freeze on the Plains
The 41-year-old Golesh, who was born in Russia and moved to the United State at age 7, is signing a six-year contract that averages more than $7 million annually to replace Hugh Freeze. Freeze was fired in early November after failing to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in three seasons on the Plains.
Alabama Power seeks to delay rate hike for new gas plant amid outcry
The state’s largest utility has proposed delaying the rate increase from its purchase of a $622 million natural gas plant until 2028.
Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones announces run for Alabama governor
Jones announced his campaign Monday afternoon, hours after filing campaign paperwork with the Secretary of State's Office. His gubernatorial bid could set up a rematch with U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, the Republican who defeated Jones in 2020 and is now running for governor.
Scorching Saturdays: The rising heat threat inside football stadiums
Excessive heat and more frequent medical incidents in Southern college football stadiums could be a warning sign for universities across the country.
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor to join our award-winning team covering important regional stories across Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.
Judge orders new Alabama Senate map after ruling found racial gerrymandering
U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco, appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term, issued the ruling Monday putting a new court-selected map in place for the 2026 and 2030 elections.
