New Bessemer City Schools interim superintendent starts work

BESSEMER, Ala. (WIAT) -- Tuesday marked the first day on the job for the new interim superintendent of Bessemer City Schools.

Michael Turner stepped into Bessemer City Schools after the Alabama State Board of Education voted in August to take over the school system amid allegations of mismanagement. Turner has spent nearly 30 years in education and oversaw improvements while principal at Leeds and Pinson Valley high schools.

Turner said he's excited about the challenge.

"I kind of know how to move the needle, but you got to have everybody," Turner said. "There's got to buy in, and it's got to be that efficacious approach that everybody understands, and they believe in what you're doing because it's not just me, it's an entire committee."

Turner spent his first day meeting with principles. He said among his goals are to improve math and language arts scores.