The students of Franklin County schools now have greater opportunities for learning thanks to an $18,500 Community Development grant provided by the Northwest Alabama Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council.

The grant was used to fund expenses associated with the facilitation of the Accelerated Reader Program for all Franklin County schools for one year.

The Accelerated Reader Program is used to both motivate and challenge students in first through 12^th grade on an individual basis and give them recognition for their reading achievements.

“Over 3,000 students were served by the program,” Franklin Chief Schools finance officer Carla Knight said.

“Our teachers have seen such an improvement in the reading scores of children as a direct result of the Accelerated Reader Program.”

Roger Hayes, chairman of the Northwest Alabama RC&D Council, said this program is important because it encourages students to read not just while they’re at school, but also at home.

“Reading comprehension is a very important life skill for all students to learn,” Hayes said.

“They will need that literacy not just for their job, but for the everyday things we have to do as adults like reviewing a contract or reading an owner’s manual.”

Hayes also expressed his appreciation to Senator Roger Bedford and Representative Johnny Mack Morrow who represent Franklin County’s district and provide support for the RC&D program in the State Legislature.