Updated Nov 30, 2020; Posted Nov 30, 2020

By Howard Koplowitz | hkoplowitz@al.com

Birmingham City Schools is returning to remote learning starting next week, the system’s superintendent said Monday, citing an increase in COVID-19 cases in the city.

“The current COVID-19 global pandemic is drastically impacting our community and our schools,” said Superintendent Mark Sullivan said. “While we realize many students have enjoyed in-person learning, we feel that our remote model is the best option at this time.”

According to the most recent data by the Alabama Department of Public Health, released two weeks ago, there were 21 positive coronavirus cases in Birmingham City Schools. Statistics were not released last week because of Thanksgiving.

Sullivan noted that cases are increasing in the city of Birmingham and that Jefferson County’s positive test rate is 11.4 percent. Both numbers are expected to increase following the Thanksgiving holiday, the superintendent noted.

“Our students and faculty are not immune from these spikes. We are seeing an uptick in the number of positive cases throughout the district among our students, faculty and staff,” he said.

Students who receive meals at school will continue to get them during remote learning. BCS Scholars will work in virtual classrooms with their teachers on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, while Wednesdays are reserved for independent projects. Teachers will also have office hours on Wednesdays.

Birmingham City Schools began the school year with virtual learning for the first nine weeks of classes.

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