By Tanna Friday
Editor
TRUSSVILLE – Next year, Trussville City Schools (TCS) will accept federal Title funds for the first time.
Today, the TCS Board of Education announced the new Federal Programs director that will implement the program components and manage specific federal funds.
Dr. J. Tygar Evans, principal of Paine Elementary School, will serve as the program’s director follwing his contract ending on June 30. He will effectively start as program director on July 1, 2018.
“Trussville City Schools is a unique situation to accept approximately $358,000 in federal Title grants for instructional support, professional development, and student support,” said TCS Superintendent Dr. Pattie Neill. “Expenditures are designed to meet the needs of students in poverty. In Trussville City Schools, our poverty level is 8.5 percent and we anticipate slight increases each year.”
Dr. Evans shared his excitement with the school board Monday evening.
“I am blessed to receive this opportunity from Dr. Neill and our Board of Education,” said Evans. “I am thankful for their confidence in me by allowing me to continue to serve students in Trussville in this capacity. I will always strive to ensure that all students grow in academic achievement.”
The new program is in the beginning stages, starting from the ground up. Dr. Evans has worked in a community with moderate rates of poverty and has experience in implementing programs that help students.
Board President Sid McNeal also congratulated Dr. Evans. “Dr. Evans, it is a little bittersweet because we appreciate all you have done for us and your hard work,” said McNeal. “At the same time, whether we are blessed enough to live in a city that a has 10 percent of students that struggle with poverty and issues related to that or 60-70 percent, it is an important issue and each of those children matter.
“The opportunity the federal government gives us to acquire funding and use it in a positive and useful way, under your guidance, is exciting. We want to help every student succeed and will try to find every dollar we can to do that.”
“It is interesting when you say a percent of free and reduced lunch by 8.5 percent, which doesn’t sound like a lot,” said Evans. “However, when you look at 8.5 percent of 4,000 kids and you say that is one of my kids, it is a lot. This is going to give us a great opportunity to help those kids and reduce their achievement gap which I know we will be able to do that without a doubt.”
Evans has been principal of two elementary schools and a high school in Rome, Georgia before coming to Trussville as principal of Paine Elementary.
“I have confidence that Dr. Evans will work successfully with all our principals to help and identify students in need,” said Neill.
Dr. Evans will also set up a Family Resource Center and provide community connections to meet the needs of parents and students. His passion for helping students is evident in his wok and in his desire for his new position. Congratulations to Dr. Evans.”
According to Neill, the Paine Elementary principal vacancy will be posted immediately and filled as soon as possible.