The Birmingham City Council has approved more than $45 million for school facilities and student programs, including a new career training center, athletic facility upgrades, financial literacy education and improvements to an early childhood campus.
Mayor Randall Woodfin and Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Mark Sullivan presented the proposal during the council’s Committee of the Whole meeting last week.
“This is one of the most significant investments we’ve made in the future of Birmingham’s children and our city’s economy,” Woodfin said. “I am so grateful for the City Council’s continued support in creating transformational opportunities for our young people.
“We’re creating real pathways from the classroom to high-demand careers while strengthening the schools and spaces where our students learn, grow and thrive. When we invest in our young people, we’re investing in Birmingham’s future.”
The largest share of the funding—$40 million—will support construction of the Future Ready Career and Innovation Center at the former Arthur School site.
The campus will prepare students for careers in fields facing workforce shortages and support Birmingham City Schools’ goal of helping graduates achieve one of its “Four Es” after high school: enroll in college, enlist in the military, become an entrepreneur or enter the workforce in a high-wage job.
The center’s initial programs will focus on health care careers, including nursing, licensed practical nursing, physical therapy, patient care, medical assisting, sterile processing and radiologic technology.
Future expansions could add training in skilled trades, information technology, manufacturing, transportation, aviation, accounting, public safety and education.
The investment also includes $4.1 million to renovate basketball courts at Birmingham City Schools elementary and middle schools and $1 million for the Junior Achievement Economic Education Center, which provides financial literacy and career education to Birmingham students.
The Junior Achievement funding will allow sixth- and eighth-grade students to participate in hands-on lessons covering personal finance, entrepreneurship and civic leadership through JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. About 3,200 Birmingham City Schools students are expected to participate each year.
The city also allocated $60,000 to replace the playground at the James Rushton Early Learning Center, providing updated outdoor space for the district’s youngest students.
Jefferson County ad valorem tax revenue dedicated to Birmingham City Schools capital improvements will fund the projects. State law allows the city to use the revenue for eligible school construction and facility projects. Birmingham voters renewed that authority for another 25 years in 2019.
The city used about $61 million in ad valorem revenue for debt service during fiscal year 2025 and projects collections will increase to about $71.8 million in fiscal year 2026.
Officials said the city plans to fund the projects through a pay-as-you-go approach, reducing the need for additional borrowing. The investment will not use General Fund operating dollars.
