Kyra is a Report for America Corps Member that covers education for WBHM.
Kyra is originally from Greenville, North Carolina and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the Hussman School of Journalism and Media.
Through Report for America, Kyra also engages in service projects around the community and is dedicated to highlighting local journalism. Outside of WBHM, Kyra loves traveling, reading fantasy novels, and connecting with people in her community.
With over half of its members new and millions of dollars in federal pandemic relief funding, the new Birmingham City school board is ready to tackle education with a fresh perspective. WBHM talked to incoming, outgoing and returning members about what Birmingham teachers, students and residents can expect.
The face of homeschooling is changing and diversifying. In just a year, the number of Black families has increased five-fold— and for more reasons than COVID-19. Several families told WBHM they see homeschooling as a way to protect their children from educational racism.
At the October meeting, the Alabama state board of education cemented its ban on critical race theory into policy. But, attendants of the meeting reacted in disapproval.
This year, Birmingham City Schools gave students the choice to take a break during the fall intersession or stay in school for extra academic support and enrichment.
The interactive art exhibit “All In” put viewers in the shoes of Ramsay High School students.
The state of Alabama has issued recommendations to school districts on how to handle COVID-19 in the classroom. But many of them are just recommendations, giving districts lots of flexibility in setting their own COVID-19 protocols.
The Magic City Acceptance Academy is a new charter school giving LGBTQ students and allies a safe space to learn and be themselves. It's the first school of its kind in the South.
As the election for Birmingham City school board approaches, citizens from education and community advocacy groups speak on the problems the new board will face in the midst of a COVID-19.
The election for the Birmingham City school board is August 24. Ten candidates responded to WBHM's survey to see where they stand on COVID, academic, funding, and parent engagement.
The state board of education has now officially banned critical race theory in Alabama schools. It was never taught in the classroom, but it could impact teachers and students.
The Vestavia Hills school board's decision to not require masks goes against guidance from public health agencies, including state health officials.
This summer, passionate voices clashed over a teacher anti-bias training program in Mountain Brook City Schools. But the debate rests on uncomfortable history in this white pocket of racially diverse Jefferson County.
The state's updated guidance for back-to-school has several school districts in the region changing their COVID-19 protocols.
School starts Monday in the Birmingham City Schools. Classes are in person but with COVID protocols in place.
Alabama joins 16 other states and Washington D.C. where third graders must pass a reading test -- or risk being held back. That’s why this summer, teachers at Birmingham City Schools began coaching their students on their reading skills to get a head start on the new retention policy.
The controversy over diversity training is complicated by the city's demographics. The suburb is overwhelmingly white and one of the richest in Jefferson County
Alabama's children are graduating on time and more children have health insurance. But the state still falls behind the rest of the country in overall well-being for children.
Roughly 30% of Alabamians are fully vaccinated.
