FACES program not likely to be cut

By Jim Cook
Published: March 12, 2010

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DOTHAN, Ala. - While many Dothan City Schools programs may be on the chopping block, one that’s relatively safe is the Family and Communities Empowering Students program.

Dothan City School Superintendent Sam Nichols said he is not likely to ask the city to unearmark a $1 million yearly appropriation it gives to the system, some of which helps pay for FACES. Nichols had suggested unearmarking the money at a previous meeting.

The FACES program is providing about $2.25 million to Faine and Grandview Elementary School over three years. The money helps provide equipment like the student response systems, and afterschool arts programs, extra tutors and other personnel and support programs for students.

About 95 percent of Grandview Elementary School and Faine Elementary School students live in poverty. The Faine/Grandview project will provide additional support for these schools to overcome obstacles to learning posed by these children’s socioeconomic status.

FACES is sponsored by a partnership among the city school system, the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce and the Wiregrass Foundation.

The Wiregrass Foundation provides the bulk of the funding. Vince Edge, president of the Wiregrass Foundation, said his group was unlikely to pull funding even if the city school system did.

Edge said the program had produced results at the two schools, and that the Wiregrass Foundation was pleased with its progress.

Grandview Elementary School Principal Todd Weeks said the secret of the program’s success was that it keeps students in school.

“Anytime we can keep them in a structured environment, it’s a good thing,” he said.

FACES provides:
— A pre-K program that takes in rising kindergartners seven weeks before school starts and teach them skills necessary for them to be successful in a school environment.
— After school programs that provide art and music instruction as well as academic help.
— School facilities that will serve as the center of community activities before and after school.
— Family involvement initiatives that assist families in working with their children at home and draw them to school-sponsored events.
— Teacher training.
— Additional technology.
— Community partnerships to facilitate access to resources and volunteers