Jefferson County Voters Approve Tax Renewal For 12 School Systems
Voters approved the renewal of property taxes supporting all 12 school systems in Jefferson County in a Tuesday election.
While only 6 percent of voters went to the polls, education leaders say the election win shows that people in Jefferson County support public schools.
Larry Contri, interim superintendent of Birmingham schools, says he wanted to see a larger turnout, but was pleased with the results.
“I knew that the citizens of Birmingham, especially those who have children and grandchildren in Birmingham City Schools, would meet the challenge and turn out at the polls and successfully pass the tax referendum, because it will all go to the children,” Contri says.
Tuesday’s vote makes $103 million available for public schools for about 30 years. Contri says Birmingham’s share is $23 million each year.
Jefferson County schools will get $62 million annually as a result of the tax renewal, says Superintendent Craig Pouncey.
School leaders say the support for the tax renewal shows not only that citizens support public education, but that people in Jefferson County can work together on common goals.
“All 12 school districts came together and worked hard,” Pouncey says.
3 things to know about Trump’s plan to send troops to Portland and Memphis
President Trump ordered the deployment of troops to Portland and said he's authorized them to use "full force" to curb protests outside of ICE facilities.
Overseas Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Nathan Law denied entry to Singapore
The activist wanted by the Hong Kong government said he was denied entry to Singapore over the weekend for what he presumes were political reasons.
Moldova’s pro-EU party wins clear parliamentary majority, defeating pro-Russian groups
Moldova's pro-Western governing party won a clear parliamentary majority, defeating pro-Russian groups in an election that was widely viewed as a stark choice between East and West.
She felt abandoned — until a teacher’s hug reminded her she wasn’t alone
When she was in the sixth grade, Tanya Eby's world was unraveling. One day, overcome with grief, she cried in class — and her teacher, Mrs. Welch, wrapped Eby in a hug.
Neglected form of diabetes with unusual symptoms finally gets its own name
An unusual type of diabetes linked to malnutrition now has a name. Scientists are calling for wider recognition of the newly classified Type 5 diabetes to spur better treatments.
Prone to winter depression? Starting light therapy now can help
As daylight diminishes people can feel their mood dimming. In fact millions of U.S. adults experience seasonal affective disorder. Light therapy can help fend off winter depression, starting in the fall.