Schools get $2.4 million federal grant

McDuffie County schools will get $2.4 million in federal money to help enhance after-school programs.

The money comes from a 21st Century Learning Center Grant given by the Georgia Department of Education.

"We are very fortunate to receive this money," said McDuffie County School Superintendent Dr. Ed Grisham. "Everyone has to come to appreciate after school education."

The county will receive about $2.4 million over the next three years, with an opportunity to extend the grant to five years.

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The after-school programs to be assisted by the grant will be at Thomson Middle School and Dearing, Norris and Thomson elementary schools. Dr. Grisham also said that there are plans to introduce a program at Maxwell Elementary School.

The extra funds will be used for a variety of purposes, including "assistance with homework, tutoring, help with academics," noted Dr. Grisham. "Also there are enrichment activities, work on computers, and physical activities are made available."

After three years, the Georgia Department of Education requires that counties acquire additional local funding to continue the grant.

"It's a five-year grant," said Dr. Kathryn Collins, the county'sassistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. "In years four and five they'll cut us back. They believe you need to be self-sustained."

Not only did McDuffie County receive the grant, but it was near the top of the list to receive the funding.

"Our (grant) was the second highest rating out of 67," said Dr. Grisham. "This was mainly because of the quality program we have. We have a good program going and our parents and our students are really benefiting from it. We can not only continue the program, but we can make it better."