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SPAN program tells Gadsden City Council it served 103 students last fiscal year, cites GED and school re-enrollment gains
Summary
Kevin Blackwell of the SPAN program reported to the Gadsden City Council that the program served 103 students last fiscal year, with 51 returning to school (49 to the correct grade) and 10 earning GEDs; council members praised the program and invited the public to visit.
Kevin Blackwell of the SPAN program told the Gadsden City Council that the program served 103 students last fiscal year and asked the council to recognize the faces behind the numbers.
Blackwell, who presented an annual report during the council meeting, said his staff of four serves students from eight middle schools and eight high schools. "Last fiscal year, we served a 103 students," he said. "Out of those 103, 51 went back to school. Out of those 51, 49 went back in their correct grade." He added that 10 students earned a GED in the same period.
The numbers, Blackwell said, are significant because they improve students' chances of graduating on time. "When you put a kid back in their correct grade, that gives them a chance to graduate on time," he said.
A student who spoke as the program's student representative described a personal change. The student said the program "truly changed my life because I went from getting removed from a school to getting back in this program, and this program has helped me a lot. ... It's boosted my knowledge, and I'm very grateful for it."
Council President Beck and several council members praised the program and encouraged the public to visit SPAN's site. Council President Beck said he was "very, very proud of what you guys are doing," and Councilwoman Latham commended the staff for giving young people second and third chances.
Blackwell said the program has operated in Gadsden for 44 years and that, although state guidelines limit in‑building enrollment (he said the state allows 15 students in the building at a time), his program currently serves about 25 students onsite and also provides online instruction for others. He asked council members to visit the program to see the students "that are faces to the numbers" he reports each year.
The council paused the agenda briefly to have Blackwell and a group of students pose for a photograph to be shared on the city's social media and website. Council members noted the presentation took place during the citizen-request portion of the meeting and thanked Blackwell and the students for attending.
The council did not take any formal action on SPAN's report during the meeting.
