Eleven Birmingham schools were to be presented with checks totaling more than $600,000 donated through Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales’ county discretionary funds.

“I have been a Partner In Education with Birmingham City Schools since 2004, which is longer than the time I’ve served in an elected position,” Scales said in a statement from the school system. “I firmly believe if you want to change the mindset of a community, you must first invest into the education of those who live there.”

The following schools were given checks during Tuesday’s Birmingham Board of Education meeting:

• Barrett Elementary – $50,000
• Huffman Academy – $50,000
• Martha Gaskins Elementary – $75,000
• Oliver Elementary – $50,000
• Robinson Elementary – $50,000
• Sun Valley Elementary – $50,000
• J. Christian Academy – $50,000
• Huffman Middle – $100,000
• Ossie Ware Mitchell Middle – $50,000
• Smith Middle School – $75,000
• Huffman High School Band – $17,800