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Building the basics: Friends of Howard School raising money for literacy push

Reuben Lawrence speaks about how he hopes the new literacy initiative will benefit Howard School and what is going into the initiative Monday, Nov. 6, 2017, at Howard School in Chattanooga, Tenn. Lawrence helped raise $100,000 for Howard School's band and seeks to raise $50,000 for a literacy program at the school.
Reuben Lawrence speaks about how he hopes the new literacy initiative will benefit Howard School and what is going into the initiative Monday, Nov. 6, 2017, at Howard School in Chattanooga, Tenn. Lawrence helped raise $100,000 for Howard School's band and seeks to raise $50,000 for a literacy program at the school. Reuben Lawrence speaks about how he hopes the new literacy initiative will benefit Howard School and what is going into the initiative Monday, Nov. 6, 2017, at Howard School in Chattanooga, Tenn. Lawrence helped raise $100,000 for Howard School's band and seeks to raise $50,000 for a literacy program at the school.

By Yolanda Putman 3 min read

Nearly half of Howard School students scored below state average in literacy, but Howard principal Chris Earl has a plan for improvement.

And Reuben Lawrence, known as the Godfather of Howard School, wants to raise $50,000 to help.

An anonymous donor has already given Lawrence $25,000 to get the fundraiser started. Lawrence wants matching funds to ensure that the literacy program runs at least four years, from the time a freshman enters high school through graduation.

If students do well, he’s pushing for the program to be funded and modeled in schools throughout the district.

Earl says he’s already seen the program work at Dalewood Middle School.