Martha Gaskins Elementary to Debut $12 Million Early Childhood Education Center on August 7

Birmingham City Schools will commence the new academic year on August 7, unveiling a center on the city's east side designed to foster early academic achievement. Situated adjacent to Martha Gaskins Elementary and established on the former site of North Roebuck Elementary, which shut down in 2013, this revamped facility aims to provide a unified learning environment for the district’s youngest students. Dr. Herbert Blackmon Jr., principal at Martha Gaskins, notes that the concept for this early learning center originated from a Board of Education member and fulfills a critical need for local families seeking educational opportunities closer to home. Once a 12-classroom establishment, the center has been upgraded into a modern, 46,000-square-foot facility featuring 21 classrooms, specialized rooms for therapy, a library, and even a technology lab with AI integration. Boosting community spirits, this initiative represents a significant investment in quality education on the booming east side.