Bessemer City Schools is celebrating measurable growth and renewed momentum as the district earned its highest letter grade on the Alabama State Department of Education’s report card since its inception for the 2017-2018 school year. In just one year, the district’s overall score increased from a 68 (D) to a 75 (C), marking significant progress and reflecting the collective dedication of Bessemer’s students, educators, and community.

The improvement reflects the district’s steady commitment to student achievement, teacher support and community partnership – all key components of its motto to lead the way to a brighter future for its students.

“This growth is more than a letter on a report card. It’s evident that our students are learning, our teachers are leading and our community is believing,” said Michael Turner, superintendent.

For the past year, the district has partnered with state leaders in an intervention designed to improve academic outcomes and strengthen governance issues. The recent announcement shows that the district is heading in the right direction.

“This milestone belongs to everyone in the Bessemer City Schools’ family–from the classrooms to the boardroom,” said Terry Dawson, school board president. “It’s proof that when we focus on what matters most, our students, we all move forward together.”

Turner credits a growing belief across the district that meaningful progress is not only possible, but happening. 

“This growth represents more than academic gains; it’s the result of a shared belief that our students can achieve and our schools can thrive,” he said. “When our teachers feel supported, our families feel engaged, and our students feel believed in, great things happen. We’re proving that here in Bessemer every day. But we’re not satisfied — we’re committed to continuing this momentum and reaching even higher.”

The Alabama State Report Card evaluates multiple indicators, including academic achievement, academic growth, graduation rate, and college and career readiness. For more information and to view complete report card results, visit alabamaachieves.org.                     

 

BESSEMER, AL – Bessemer City High’s Purple Tigers will face off against the Helena Huskies in the AHSAA 1st-Round Playoffs on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Bessemer City High Tiger Stadium, located at 4950 Premiere Parkway, Bessemer, AL 35022.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Admission is $12, and parking is $5.  Tickets can be purchased at the gate, but fans are encouraged to buy in advance via GoFan.com for convenience and to ensure faster entry.

Please note the following stadium policies:

• No passes out for re-entry.

• A clear small bag policy is enforced.

• Umbrellas are permitted inside the Stadium.

• No Smoking or Vaping allowed on campus

• No outside food allowed inside the Stadium

• No weapons of any kind allowed on campus

• All attendees must purchase a ticket or present a valid coach’s card or media pass — no exceptions.

Come out and support your Bessemer City Purple Tigers as they compete in the 2025 AHSAA playoffs!

Bessemer High School celebrated a spirited Homecoming week themed "Big Bessemer — Today, Tomorrow, and Forever!" The week was full of events culminating in a thrilling victory.

The Homecoming Court was crowned, with Markee Molette named King and Yazmin Bishop named Queen. Runners-up included Justin Fredd for King and Jae’lah McClinton and Karma Lowe for Queen. Zamir Graham and Shakiyah Miles were named Mr. and Miss BCHS, while Destin Levert and JaKoryia “Janae” Williams were named Mr. and Miss BCT.

Faculty and students showcased creativity with themed dress-up days. One day saw attendees dressing as celebrities and characters like Michael Jackson and Erykah Badu. Another day embraced "Emo Day," featuring dark eyeliner, band tees and all-black apparel. Elementary schools also participated in dress-up fun.

Festivities kicked off Thursday, Oct. 16, with a bonfire. Friday, Oct. 17, featured a noon parade starting at the Train Depot, food trucks at DeBardeleben Park and a tailgate on Alumni Hill. Councilor Carla Foreman-Jackson of District 6 even stopped by to join the events.

School spirit was high at the pep rally before the Big Bessemer Tigers took the field. The excitement paid off as the football team secured a 19-16 win over Northridge High School. The community celebrated a successful week of Tiger pride.

Bessemer City High School buzzed with energy as it hosted a vibrant Hispanic Heritage Night Oct. 9., wrapping up the district's observance of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15). The event drew approximately 75 attendees to the high school.

The purpose of the evening was multifaceted: to celebrate the rich culture and diversity of the Bessemer Hispanic and Latino communities and to provide resourceful information to parents. The event was framed as a celebration of identity, resilience, and tradition, serving as an invitation to honor the past while embracing the vibrant ways Hispanic heritage continues to shape the present.

A key focus of the night was the district's commitment to its English Language Learner (ELL) students. Informational resources were shared with families to assist their children with support services, aiming to meet all the needs of the ELL student population. Furthermore, the event spotlighted the district's dedication to providing high-quality instruction that supports student learning and increases English proficiency.

Kimberly Hunter, the district's new ESL district specialist, emphasized her dedication to the growing ELL community:

"I am both humbled and excited to serve our large ELL population. Each day provides an opportunity to learn, grow, and better understand the diverse needs of our students,” said Hunter. “My focus is on increasing their English proficiency by fostering strong instructional support, creating equitable access to language-rich learning environments, and building collaborative partnerships with teachers and families."

Bessemer City Schools thanks the sponsors for this event: Los Sombreros, a local Mexican restaurant in Bessemer located at 5031 Ford Parkway #107; Bimbo, one of the largest bakeries in the world; and Mi Pueblo Supermarket located in Pelham at 3060 Pelham Parkway. These sponsors helped to create a memorable night. 

The evening provided a blend of cultural enrichment and practical support, featuring food and fun alongside the distribution of essential information, reinforcing the Bessemer City Schools’ pledge to support its diverse student body.

Bessemer City Schools recently extended appreciation to several city council members for their active support and generous contributions to various school programs. 

Councilman Cleo King was thanked for his significant donation to the school system’s athletic program. His support helps student-athletes continue to grow, compete, and succeed. Councilor Javis Collier was recognized for his generous donation to the district’s Modern Manufacturing Program. This funding is essential for preparing students for success in high-demand technical careers.

Additionally, Councilor Carla Foreman-Jackson made a substantial impact during a recent visit. She not only volunteered her time serving students in the cafeteria but also assisted them with preparations for homecoming advertisements. The school district expressed deep gratitude to Councilor Foreman-Jackson for her ongoing involvement, which includes donating snacks, serving the athletic department, and consistently engaging with the students and uplifting the entire school community.

Thank you, Councilors King, Collier, and Foreman-Jackson, for your invaluable commitment and generous investment in the success of Bessemer City Schools and its students.