Birmingham (Ala.) district will close 7 schools

The Birmingham (Ala.) School Board has voted to close seven schools, change the grade configuration at three others and lay off dozens of employees. Al.com says the cost cutting will save the district close to $6 million. Closing this summer: Center Street and Daniel Payne middle schools; and Councill, Hemphill, Lewis, Norwood and North Roebuck elementary schools. Schools that will have modified grade structures: Bush Middle will become a K-8; Oxmoor K-8 will convert to a K-5; and South Hampton Elementary will become a K-8.