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'''L. Frazier Banks High School''' was a high school in the [[Birmingham Public School System]] from [[1957]] until the 1980s, after which it was converted into a middle school until it was finally closed in [[2007]]. It was named for former superintendent [[L. Frazier Banks]] and occupied six buildings in a residential area on on [[86th Street South]] in the [[South East Lake]] neighborhood. The capacity of the school was 1,192, but as of 2006 the school's enrollment was down to 447. The last principal was [[Jesse Daniel]].
{{Infobox former school
|name          =Banks High School
|image          =[[File:1960s Banks HS aerial.jpg|275px]]
|years=[[1957]]–1980s
|grades        =9-12
|enrollment    =224
|enroll-year    =1986
|colors        =Columbia blue and scarlet
|mascot        =Jets
|address        =720 [[86th Street South]]
|city = Birmingham
|map      = ({{Locate_address_inline | address = 720+86th+St+S | zoom=17 | type=h }})
|district = [[Birmingham City Schools]]
}}
 
'''L. Frazier Banks High School''' (originally '''South East Lake High School''') was a high school in the [[Birmingham Public School System]] from [[1957]] until the 1980s, after which it was converted into a [[Banks Middle School|middle school]] until it was finally closed in [[2007]]. It was named for former superintendent [[L. Frazier Banks]] and occupied six buildings in a residential area on [[86th Street South]] at [[8th Avenue South]] in the [[South East Lake]] neighborhood. The capacity of the school was 1,192.
 
Plans for the school were approved in [[1955]]. Some residents objected to the chosen site. The [[Old College Station Community Club]] wrote to the school board with concerns about traffic, sidewalks, the difficulty of developing athletic fields on the rugged terrain, and a reticence to "thrust themselves" upon the African American residents occupying housing in the vicinity. Since the land for the school and the neighboring [[South East Lake Elementary School]] had already been purchased and plans drawn by [[Warren, Knight & Davis]] architects, the board dismissed the opposition.
 
The design of the school addressed the terrain on the 25-acre site by stretching out along a contour with a string of one-story classroom pavilions connected by covered walkways and interrupted by larger structures for the gymnasium, auditorium, lunchroom and offices. The classrooms were finished with asphalt tile floors, acoustical ceilings and flourescent lighting to supplement the high clerestories set above the roof line of the connecting walkways. Construction was financed with funds from [[1953 Birmingham bond issue|1953]] and [[1956 Birmingham bond issue|1956]] bond issues.


The school was opened as a high school in [[1957]] and, at first, accepted only freshmen. The first graduating class matriculated in 1961. The school's athletic teams in that 1960-61 season won the Birmingham city football, basketball and baseball championships. The football team, initially made up of those who didn't make the Woodlawn team as freshmen, was coached by [[Jimmy Tarrant]]. The basketball team was coached by [[Albert Morton]].
The school was opened as a high school in [[1957]] and, at first, accepted only freshmen. The first graduating class matriculated in 1961. The school's athletic teams in that 1960-61 season won the Birmingham city football, basketball and baseball championships. The football team, initially made up of those who didn't make the Woodlawn team as freshmen, was coached by [[Jimmy Tarrant]]. The basketball team was coached by [[Albert Morton]].


In [[1961]], the Alabama Air National Guard loaned the school a U. S. Air Force F-86D "Sabre" [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-86] which was a relic of the Korean War. The plane was painted in the school colors of Columbia Blue and Scarlet was installed as a mascot and landmark on the roof of the school.
In [[1961]], the Alabama Air National Guard loaned the school a U.S. Air Force F-86D "Sabre" [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-86] which was a relic of the Korean War. The plane was painted in the school colors of Columbia blue and scarlet and was installed as a mascot and landmark on the roof of the school.
 
In 1972 and 1973, Coach [[Shorty White]] led the Jets to consecutive 4A state football championships. The school was recognized nationally as a football power, even appearing in the pages of ''National Geographic''. Future NFL quarterback [[Jeff Rutledge]] led the team into a [[1974]] showdown with Woodlawn High School and running back [[Tony Nathan]] at [[Legion Field]]. The crowd was estimated at 42,000.


==Banks Middle School==
The [[1965]] Banks Jets football team, led by head coach [[Shorty White]], went 10-0 and won a state championship. White's [[1972]] and [[1973]] teams went on to secure consecutive 4A titles, as well. The school was recognized nationally as a football power, even appearing in the pages of ''National Geographic''. Future NFL quarterback [[Jeff Rutledge]] led the team into a [[1974]] showdown with Woodlawn High School and running back [[Tony Nathan]] at [[Legion Field]]. The crowd was estimated at 42,000.
In the 1980s Banks was transformed into a middle school under the direction of Superintendent [[Cleveland Hammonds]]. Students from Banks went on to [[Woodlawn High School]] after the 8th grade.  


In December 2000 arson caused extensive damage to the auditorium, destroying approximately $30,000 worth of band instruments which, because of ever-tightening public school budgets, have been only partially replaced. In February 2006, the South East Lake Neighborhood Association voted to appropriate $5,000 of their neighborhood funds to go toward new band instruments.
The last graduating class of Banks High School was in [[1989]]. Students at Banks going into the 1989–1990 school year were given the option to go to either Woodlawn or Huffman High Schools. In 1990, Banks was converted into a middle school under the direction of Superintendent [[Cleveland Hammonds]].


In October 2006 the Facilities and Technology Committee of the Birmingham Board of Education heard a recommendation from new superintendent of schools [[Stan Mims]] to close Banks and transfer its students to the new [[Ossie Ware Mitchell Middle School]] which was built as an elementary school that would have replaced [[Robinson Elementary School]]. Students from Banks relocated to their new campus in [[South East Lake]] in January [[2007]]. The board is still considering whether to convert Ossie Ware Mitchell into a K-8 school.
After several failed requests for proposals to redevelop the Banks campus, the [[Birmingham City Council]] approved a contract to demolish it in spring [[2021]]. Work on the site began on [[July 6]] of that year.


After the school's closure, the state agreed to turn over the landmark jet to the [[Southern Museum of Flight]], where it will be restored to its military colors and displayed. Banks' campus was among 14 properties put on the market in early [[2008]].
==Principals==
* [[Roy Shelton]], 1957-
* [[Robert Palmatier]], 1985-1989


==Banks High School alumni==
==Notable alumni==
* [[John Amari]], District Court Judge
* [[John Archibald]], ''[[Birmingham News]]'' columnist
* [[John Archibald]], ''[[Birmingham News]]'' columnist
* [[David Cutcliffe]] (1972), football coach (Coached Banks HS in 1980-81 with 17-4-1 record)
* [[David Cutcliffe]], 1972, football coach (Coached Banks HS in 1980-81 with 17-4-1 record)
* [[Bill Carden]], engineer
* [[Bill Carden]], engineer
* [[Jeff Herrod]] (1983), NFL linebacker
* [[Ann Fowler]], 1966, [[Miss Alabama]] 1970
* [[Alan Jacobs]], (1975), scholarly author
* [[Jeff Herrod]] 1983, NFL linebacker
* [[Alan Jacobs]], 1975, scholarly author
* [[Bobby Johns]], 1964, football player and coach
* [[Bobby Kerley]], Alabama Power executive
* [[Bobby Kerley]], Alabama Power executive
* [[Bobbie Knight]], Alabama Power executive
* [[Bobbie Knight]], Alabama Power executive
* [[Del Marsh]], Alabama State Senate president pro tem
* [[Robert R. McCammon]], writer
* [[Robert R. McCammon]], writer
* [[Johnny Musso]], College Football Hall of Fame player
* [[Johnny Musso]], College Football Hall of Fame player
* [[Jeff Rutledge]], (1974), NFL quarterback
* [[Jeff Rutledge]], 1974, NFL quarterback
* [[Gary Rutledge]], football player
* [[Gary Rutledge]], football player
* [[Greg Shaw]], Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals Judge
* [[Greg Shaw]], Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals Judge
* [[Mike Shaw]], pastor of 1st Baptist, Pelham
* [[Mike Shaw]], pastor of 1st Baptist, Pelham
* [[Billy Shields]] (1971), NFL offensive lineman
* [[Billy Shields]], 1971, NFL offensive lineman
* [[Jimmy Sidle]], Auburn quarterback
* [[Jimmy Sidle]], Auburn quarterback
* [[Boyce Smith]], founder of [[Southeastern Youth Camp]]
* [[Boyce Smith]], founder of [[Southeastern Youth Camp]]
* [[David Lee Smith]], actor
* [[David Lee Smith]], actor
* [[Beth Thornley]], singer
* [[Beth Thornley]], singer
* [[Larry Willingham]], 1967, NFL defensive back


==Reference==
==Reference==
* Jordan, Phillip. (March 23, 2006) "Hitting the right note: Can neighborhood associations help fill the funding gap for city schools?" ''Birmingham Weekly''.
* "[http://cdm16044.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p4017coll2/id/10953/rec/2 East Lake school site is protested." (April 17, 1956) {{BN}} - via {{BPLDC}}
* Ingram, Ron (September 20, 2006) "Ex-Jets recall success." ''Birmingham News''.
* Mobbs, Larry (January 3, 1957) "[http://cdm16044.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p4017coll2/id/10954/rec/2 Work is begun on New South East Lake High]" {{BN}} - via {{BPLDC}}
* Hickerson, Patrick (October 3, 2006) "Banks Middle closing pondered." ''Birmingham News''.
* Ingram, Ron (September 20, 2006) "Ex-Jets recall success." {{BN}}
* Archibald, John (October 5, 2006) "Sad, unsafe school once was mighty." ''Birmingham News''.
* Archibald, John (October 5, 2006) "Sad, unsafe school once was mighty." {{BN}}
* Hickerson, Patrick (January 5, 2007) "Students, staff value Banks' replacement." ''Birmingham News''.
* Hickerson, Patrick (January 5, 2007) "Students, staff value Banks' replacement." {{BN}}
* Archibald, John (May 31, 2007) "Banks jet to be mighty once more." ''Birmingham News''.
* Prickett, Sam (March 9, 2021) "Derelict Banks High School Building Set to Be Demolished." ''[[BirminghamWatch]]''
* Garrison, Greg (July 6, 2021) "Demolition of Banks High School in East Lake begins." {{BN}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.bhm.k12.al.us/schools/banks/Profile.htm Banks Middle School profile] at www.bhm.k12.al.us
* [http://www.ahsfhs.org/Teams2/teampage.asp?Team=Banks Banks High School football history] from ahsfhs.org website


{{DEFAULTSORT:Banks High School}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Banks High School}}
[[Category:1957 buildings]]
[[Category:1957 buildings]]
[[Category:Warren Knight & Davis buildings]]
[[Category:1957 establishments]]
[[Category:1980s disestablishments]]
[[Category:Former high schools]]
[[Category:Former high schools]]
[[Category:Former middle schools]]
[[Category:Former Birmingham schools]]
[[Category:Birmingham schools]]
[[Category:8th Avenue South]]
[[Category:South East Lake neighborhood]]
[[Category:86th Street South]]
[[Category:2021 demolitions]]

Latest revision as of 08:37, 10 July 2021

Banks High School
1960s Banks HS aerial.jpg
Active 1957–1980s
School type Public
District Birmingham City Schools
Grades 9-12
Colors Columbia blue and scarlet
Mascot Jets
Location 720 86th Street South, (map)
Birmingham

L. Frazier Banks High School (originally South East Lake High School) was a high school in the Birmingham Public School System from 1957 until the 1980s, after which it was converted into a middle school until it was finally closed in 2007. It was named for former superintendent L. Frazier Banks and occupied six buildings in a residential area on 86th Street South at 8th Avenue South in the South East Lake neighborhood. The capacity of the school was 1,192.

Plans for the school were approved in 1955. Some residents objected to the chosen site. The Old College Station Community Club wrote to the school board with concerns about traffic, sidewalks, the difficulty of developing athletic fields on the rugged terrain, and a reticence to "thrust themselves" upon the African American residents occupying housing in the vicinity. Since the land for the school and the neighboring South East Lake Elementary School had already been purchased and plans drawn by Warren, Knight & Davis architects, the board dismissed the opposition.

The design of the school addressed the terrain on the 25-acre site by stretching out along a contour with a string of one-story classroom pavilions connected by covered walkways and interrupted by larger structures for the gymnasium, auditorium, lunchroom and offices. The classrooms were finished with asphalt tile floors, acoustical ceilings and flourescent lighting to supplement the high clerestories set above the roof line of the connecting walkways. Construction was financed with funds from 1953 and 1956 bond issues.

The school was opened as a high school in 1957 and, at first, accepted only freshmen. The first graduating class matriculated in 1961. The school's athletic teams in that 1960-61 season won the Birmingham city football, basketball and baseball championships. The football team, initially made up of those who didn't make the Woodlawn team as freshmen, was coached by Jimmy Tarrant. The basketball team was coached by Albert Morton.

In 1961, the Alabama Air National Guard loaned the school a U.S. Air Force F-86D "Sabre" [1] which was a relic of the Korean War. The plane was painted in the school colors of Columbia blue and scarlet and was installed as a mascot and landmark on the roof of the school.

The 1965 Banks Jets football team, led by head coach Shorty White, went 10-0 and won a state championship. White's 1972 and 1973 teams went on to secure consecutive 4A titles, as well. The school was recognized nationally as a football power, even appearing in the pages of National Geographic. Future NFL quarterback Jeff Rutledge led the team into a 1974 showdown with Woodlawn High School and running back Tony Nathan at Legion Field. The crowd was estimated at 42,000.

The last graduating class of Banks High School was in 1989. Students at Banks going into the 1989–1990 school year were given the option to go to either Woodlawn or Huffman High Schools. In 1990, Banks was converted into a middle school under the direction of Superintendent Cleveland Hammonds.

After several failed requests for proposals to redevelop the Banks campus, the Birmingham City Council approved a contract to demolish it in spring 2021. Work on the site began on July 6 of that year.

Principals

Notable alumni

Reference

External links

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