BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) -- Birmingham's schools will start on time in August, but with fewer employees.

The Birmingham Board of Education deadlocked on a cost-cutting plan Tuesday, but state Superintendent Tommy Bice overruled the board and put the plan in place.

It calls for about 200 employees to be laid off or demoted during to declining enrollment and financial problems.

Bice had expected to delay the scheduled Aug. 20 start of Birmingham schools when the state Department of Education took over recently. But he said Tuesday hard work by principals and other school officials will allow Birmingham's schools to start on time.