Жители Ирондейла изучают перспективы создания собственной школьной системы и оценки связанных с этим расходов

Irondale residents are getting more information about what it could take for the city to separate from Jefferson County Schools and form its own school system. During a meeting Tuesday night, residents heard about tax limitations, school facilities and the number of major decisions still ahead. The city’s $85,000 feasibility study found Irondale could create an independent school system, but consultants say the city would have to plan for every school-age child who lives in Irondale, even if some students choose to attend school elsewhere. The study estimates about 995 school-age children live in Irondale. It also estimates that the city could take on roughly $21 million in existing school-related debt. The study does not recommend a specific tax increase. It says additional revenue could potentially come from a voter-approved property tax, a city-controlled occupational tax, other municipal taxes, or city funding. “Estimated school debt, $21 million,” School Finance Consultant Dr. Ira Harvey said. “I’ve talked about the property taxes that you would get. And every one of them expires. That’s the nature of property taxes in the state.” Mayor James Stewart, Jr. said the city has not completed the expense analysis, making it too early to say which taxes, if any, could increase. Former Irondale City Councilman Craig Sanderson said he believes an independent school system could be important to the city’s economic future. “No city really took off as far as economic development goes until they’re able to have their own school system,” Sanderson said. “I think all we really need to do is take a look at Leeds and Trussville, which are two of the most recent ones, and see how it worked for them.” Mayor Stewart said the city remains in the early stages, with no decision on whether to create a district, raise taxes, or determine which school buildings students would attend. Those questions carry added weight after Jefferson County Schools announced plans for future STEAM magnet programs at Irondale Community School, Irondale Middle School and Shades Valley High School. City leaders say they will continue to gather information before a formal decison is made. Trending 7 injured, including juveniles, in shooting after Tuscaloosa block party TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBM)A — Seven people were shot early Sunday in a mass shooting in Tuscaloosa, and three of the victims have serious injuries, police said.Tusc 16-year-old, 10-year-old killed in St. Clair County wreck ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ala. (WBMA) — St. Clair County Schools is mourning the deaths of two students after a motor vehicle crash Friday afternoon on Chandler Mountai New Arrest Made in 2024 Mass Shooting Outside of Hush Lounge in Birmingham Nearly two years after a mass shooting outside Hush Lounge in Birmingham's Five Points South neighborhood left four people dead and 17 others injured, police ha Birmingham Police Seek Help Finding Missing 35-Year-Old Woman The Birmingham Police Department is asking for the public’s help locating a 35-year-old woman who was last seen at a Birmingham bus station earlier this month.A Clanton man, 83, dies after two-vehicle crash near Childersburg SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. (WBMA) — An 83-year-old Clanton man died after a two-vehicle crash Friday afternoon near Childersburg, according to the Alabama Law Enforcem NEWS IN PHOTOS: " Local "