Bessemer City

Superintendent
Dr. Autumm Jeter
Bessk12.org
Bessemer City Schools

For immediate release: August 5, 2020

Bessemer, AL - August 5, 2020 - Bessemer City School District has decided to cancel all fall middle school
sports at this time, due to the ongoing risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision was made
unanimously this afternoon by a specialized committee consisting of athletic coaches from both middle and
high schools, principals from both middle and high schools, a board member representative, parent
representation, and superintendent, Dr. Autumm Jeter.

This decision follows weighted discussion over the needs of student athletes, logistics of the middle school
sports program, pandemic-related health recommendations, and parent concerns. Coaches have noticed a
considerable drop in summer participation numbers among middle school athletes, which have been
consistently lower than needed to be competitive. This drop has been attributed to fears from some students
and families over health-related COVID concerns.

For many of our student athletes, playing sports is far more than an extracurricular activity. It is a vital outlet,
which encourages them to make positive choices. And for some, it also provides an avenue toward a brighter
future. Therefore, after receiving written confirmation from the Alabama High School Athletic Association, we
are allowing 7th and 8th grade students to condition train with the high school athletics program.

Please, note the decision to cancel fall sports pertains to middle school programs only. The committee will
reconvene and reevaluate conditions approximately mid-fall, at which time they will decide whether to move
forward with spring sports activities.

The superintendent appreciates the committee for being committed to weighing the facts and making the
best choice for the students of Bessemer City School District.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Bessemer Board of Education

1621 5th Avenue North | P. O. Box 1230
Bessemer, Alabama 35021
205-432-3000