Board Basics

The Birmingham Board of Education is a nine-member elected body that adopts policy for the daily operation of schools and sees that school laws are properly explained, enforced and observed. The City of Birmingham is divided into nine voting districts, and a board member is elected from each district. Each member serves a four-year term. Board members elect a president and vice president yearly.

Meeting Schedule and Summary

School board meetings are normally held at 3:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month in the auditorium of the Administration Building located at 2015 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203. In December, a meeting is scheduled for only the second Tuesday.

Click here to view the schedule of meetings.

Speaking at Board Meetings

Any citizen may address the board at any regular meeting during the designated period called "Community Voice." Persons wishing to appear before the School Board must sign up before the start of the board meeting. Each citizen and/or stakeholder will be given two minutes to address the board. 

Board Meeting Etiquette

The only time members of the audience may address the board during a board meeting is during the "Community Voice" period, or at the president's request. Flash photography is only permitted during special recognitions. Audience members are requested to turn off cell phones and to leave the room to carry on conversations.

The Average Meeting

School board meetings vary in length, with most averaging about two hours. Occasionally, meetings are preceded or followed by a work session, which is also open to the public. When discussing personnel, disciplinary or other confidential matters as determined by the Code of Alabama, the board may move into closed session.

A Typical Board Meeting Agenda

• Call to Order
• Prayer 
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Adoption of the Meeting Agenda
• Approval of Minutes
• Presentations
• Community Voice
• Consent Agenda
• New Business
• Superintendent and Board Member Highlights 
• Adjournment