The Hamilton County Department of Education and the Community Foundation are applying for a $500,000 federal grant to pull inner-city children out of poverty by improving their education.
But even if they don't get the money, officials with the agencies say they will work with parents to develop a plan for improvement.
"We can't deny what we're seeing as far as the infant mortality rate, in regards to poverty and attendance issues," said Lakweshia Ewing with the school system. "It's staring us in the face, so Chattanooga is saying that we want to do something about it whether we get the federal money or not."
Mrs. Ewing, district coordinator for family engagement and community partnerships, and Community Foundation representatives will host a meeting at Hardy Elementary School from 6-8 p.m. today to explain more about the initiative and to hear parents' concerns about educational services needed in the community.
Hardy has about 580 students; about 95 percent are eligible for the free- and reduced-price lunch program. The Glass Street elementary school was among several inner-city schools that scored straight F's in achievement on the 2009 state Report Card, records show.
The education department, Community Foundation and other agencies are applying for a federal Promise Neighborhood grant to begin creation of the Chattanooga Promise zone. The grant would fund a cradle-to-college-to-career initiative.
The goal is to start assisting children and their parents before they start school to make sure children have all they need to begin kindergarten ready to learn and to finish each grade thereafter on grade level, officials said. The ultimate goal is for the child to learn the skills to get a career.
The grant will focus on inner-city neighborhoods located between the Tennessee River and Missionary Ridge, the area with the highest concentration of poverty among children. Although the initiative will begin at Hardy, officials said, when fully implemented it will include all 11,000 children living in the area.
Hamilton County is applying to be one of only 20 neighborhoods across the United States where the initiative is replicated. The application deadline is June 25.
IF YOU GO* What: Discussion on improving education for inner-city students* When: 6-8 p.m. today* Where: Hardy Elementary School, 2100 Glass St.Source: Hamilton County Department of Education
Parent Annette Thompson, who has children at Brainerd High, Orchard Knob Middle and has one child starting kindergarten at Hardy this fall, said she wants more qualified teachers.
"I'm worried about the children," Mrs. Thompson said. "Even the ones who get to college, you would be surprised how many of them have to take remedial courses because they are not prepared."
Mentors and tutorial services also are needed, she said. Residents hear that services exist, but they don't always know how to find them, she said.
It is imperative that parents participate in tonight's meeting at Hardy, said Pete Cooper, president of the Community Foundation.
"The critical element to the program's success is neighborhood involvement," Mr. Cooper said. "This is not some politician coming in and telling the community what needs to be done in their neighborhood. We need to hear from the neighbors."
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