Donahue and Eula Brown Elementary honored among Alabama''s top‑performing or most improved schools

Gadsden City officials publicly commended two Gadsden City School System elementary schools after the Alabama State Department of Education identified them on statewide lists for 2023–24: Donahue Elementary was named among the top 25 most improved schools, and Eula Brown Elementary ranked among the top performing elementary schools.

City staff said Donahue Elementary serves about 260 students in pre‑K through grade 5 and showed a 17‑point improvement in its report card score, rising from 71 to 88 across the 2023 and 2024 report cards. The city read that 12% of Donahue students scored at or above the proficient level in math and 32% scored at or above proficient in reading, per the state report cards.

Eula Brown Elementary, reported city officials, serves about 335 students in pre‑K through grade 5. The city said Eula Brown students scored 87% or higher at the proficient level in math and reading and the school achieved an overall score of 99.85 out of 100; city remarks noted Eula Brown ranked No. 2 in the state list and No. 1 among Gadsden City elementary schools.

Ruth Moffett of the mayor's office read the state recognition and said the schools will be officially recognized in February when representatives receive awards and photos are taken with legislators and board members. The meeting record states a collective $250,000 in awards will be distributed among recognized schools, with larger sums going to the most improved institutions.

Superintendent Blackwell and school principals attending the meeting thanked teachers, staff and families for the improvements. Principal Callaway called the progress “a collective” effort and said the school will continue work to support students.

The council applauded the schools and noted local events over Martin Luther King Jr. Day, including a recitation of part of the "I Have a Dream" speech by Warren Henry at the meeting.