TCS Children's Center To Transition Out Of Brewer Porch Building

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa City Board of Education on Tuesday voted to end its contract for the former Brewer Porch building and will continue to operate it as the Tuscaloosa City Schools Children's Center for students with special mental health needs through the end of the current school year.

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TCS Superintendent Mike Daria told the board that beginning in the 2025-26 school year, the TCS Children’s Center will relocate to the STARS Academy building on 21st Street.

Daria said the move is expected to save the school system approximately $144,000 annually.

“This move will allow us to continue providing essential services for our students in a more cost-effective and accessible way,” Daria said. “We’re committed to ensuring that all of our students, especially those with special needs, receive the support they deserve.”

He also said the new location will provide students and their families easier access to services offered by the New Heights Community Resource Center, which is in the same building.

Daria said Brewer Porch has served as a vital facility for students with special mental health needs for decades and for 50 years, the program was run by The University of Alabama and provided inpatient and outpatient services.

Earlier this year, though, the university announced the closure of Brewer Porch, which shuttered both its residential and day programs on May 31.

The Tuscaloosa City Board of Education then authorized a lease for the Brewer Porch building in July, allowing the district to continue providing outpatient educational services for TCS students who require specialized support outside their regular schools.

As part of the transition, TCS says several employees who previously worked at Brewer Porch, including nine paraprofessionals and three teachers, have remained with the TCS Children’s Center.

The district said it has also hired additional staff to operate the center, including a program coordinator, mental health therapist, social worker and a nurse.

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