Hamilton County Commissioner Tim Boyd behind Bookworm for child literacy

CEO Melissa Blevins speaks at the Girls Inc. annual Unbought & Unbossed Awards in this 2017 photo. Blevins discussed the Bookworm literacy program with Hamilton County commissioners Wednesday.
CEO Melissa Blevins speaks at the Girls Inc. annual Unbought & Unbossed Awards in this 2017 photo. Blevins discussed the Bookworm literacy program with Hamilton County commissioners Wednesday.

The two little girls had to pull way down on the microphone at the lectern in the Hamilton County Commission room to read statements on why they love Girls Inc. and the Bookworm literacy program.

Then the Hardy Elementary students, a bubbly 8-year-old with a bright red bow in her hair and a solemn 9-year-old with one in patriotic red, white and blue, walked past the tall wooden dais and shook hands with all the grownups smiling down at them.

The girls, along with Girls Inc. CEO Melissa Blevins, East Ridge Elementary Principal Juan Moreno and Tamekia Bush, guidance counselor at Woodmore Elementary, were there at the invitation of Commissioner Tim Boyd.

photo Hamilton County Commissioner Tim Boyd

It was the second week in a row for a literacy presentation. Last week, commissioners celebrated Middle Valley Elementary for capturing its fifth consecutive Scottie Probasco Literacy Award in the county's Read 20 program.

Boyd has said Read 20 hasn't lived up to its promise in boosting literacy scores. He brought the Bookworm team Wednesday to ask colleagues to consider providing funds so the program can expand to other schools.

He said he used discretionary funds to get Bookworm started at Girls Inc. in 2011 and that it has become a national model for early childhood intervention.

"Bookworm intercedes where the family environment is failing," Boyd said.

Blevins described how Girls Inc. tests each child enrolled in Bookworm and develops an individualized education plan for her.

"Literacy is really the foundation for success no matter what direction their career might take" through high school and into college, she said. Girls Inc. wants to support the school system and Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson's improvement initiatives, she said.

Boyd reminded Mayor Jim Coppinger that since the discretionary funds were cut out, Coppinger has urged commissioners to bring worthy programs to the county for potential funding.

He said he would bring a resolution next week to amend the budget and add $100,000 for supported nonprofit agencies, including Girls Inc.

Contact staff writer Judy Walton at jwalton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6416.

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