Craig Witherspoon nominated for Superintendent of the Year

A bright spot for Birmingham's embattled superintendent. Dr. Craig Witherspoon is one of several finalists for superintendent of the year, despite having been fired then reinstated by the Birmingham Board of Education.

Dr. Witherspoon was nominated by his fellow superintendents in this district of the state, but he doesn't enjoy the same level of support from a majority of his board who have tried to fire him.

Dr. Witherspoon wasn't available for an interview today, but Fox 6 News spoke to all five members of the school board who have been very vocal about their opposition to his leadership.

Emanuel Ford, board president Edward Maddox, Virginia Volker, and Alana Edwards all said they had no comment on Dr. Witherspoon's nomination.

I think the meeting transcripts speak for themselves," Ford said.

Tyrone Belcher was unable to be reached for his reaction.

But acting CFO Dr. Ed Richardson, who came in as part of the state intervention, says this is a sign Dr. Witherspoon's peers recognize his hard work under difficult circumstances.

"Even if you say 'Well I'm not totally satisfied with what I've seen,' there are no perfect people out there," Dr. Richardson said. "So the board should see this as a positive for the Birmingham City Schools, and at this point we need all the positive developments we can possibly find," Richardson said.

There are nine finalists for the state superintendent of the year award. The winner will be announced next Tuesday.

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