BESSEMER, Ala. (WIAT) -- Bessemer City School's parent and alumna Tiara Tompkin is one of several parents who say they feel a mix of emotions after learning that the Alabama State Board of Education voted unanimously to take over Bessemer City Schools.
"I am kind of excited, excited to see you know what will happen and how the system will grow, and as a parent I'm kind of in-between," said Tompkins. "It kind of leaves several question marks, like you know just what if, or what is going on with the system."
According to Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey, the unanimous vote on Aug. 8 to take over the Bessemer City Schools comes after months of discussions between
the state and the Bessemer School Board. Discussions of the takeover began after it was discovered there were discrepancies in a special audit that showed financial concerns.
"I actually sent in a special team to see, you know, what was going on in Bessemer and could we avoid a takeover," said Dr. Mackey. "Were there things we could do to help them get back on track. We asked the state examiners to do a special audit."
Dr. Mackey said because of this he has appointed Dr. Daniel Boyd as the new Chief Administrative Officer to help intervene.
Dr. Mackey said the state will work with the school system for as long as it takes to get them back on track.
"We'll be working closely with the superintendent to put a plan in place to make sure we get the finances in order, to clear up any problems that were identified in the examiner's report. Get the buildings up to par and then certainly we'll be working on the instructional program," said Dr. Mackey.
Tompkins says that news is comforting as she plans to move forward and keep her daughter enrolled in Bessemer City Schools.
"We've turned this thing around miraculously in the past and I know we can get it done now. I believe in Bessemer," said Tompkins.
Bessemer City School Board Vice President Terry Dawson released the following statement on the decision:
"The Alabama State Department of Education unanimously approved supporting the Bessemer City Board of Education in strengthening its operational practices. This move grants the state authority on personnel, financial matters, and operations decisions.
We welcome Dr. Daniel Boyd as the chief administrative officer, who will partner with us to address the state superintendent's concerns.
Today, our Bessemer City Schools' students returned to our campuses. Our focus remains on providing our teachers and staff with the resources to help our students realize their full potential."