Affluent elementary schools in Leon County have thousands more reading books in classrooms than what are called Title I elementary schools, which are marked by low-income families.
In turn, the stark contrast creates a daunting reality: A widened achievement gap.
Now, school board member Alva Smith, who represents District 1, is asking the community to help her address this concern with the “Big Book Give” fundraiser.
In a previous interview with the Tallahassee Democrat, Smith said the drive will help address the “book disparity” between the district’s Title I schools and non-Title I schools, like those in her district of northeast Tallahassee, sandwiched between Thomasville Road and Mahan Drive.
“By donating a new book, each of us contributes to a child’s educational journey, opening doors to knowledge, imagination, and a brighter future,” Smith said in a news release. “These donations will create lasting resources that empower our students and strengthen our community.”
The fundraiser will launch at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, with a news conference at Tallahassee’s Midtown Reader bookshop. The public is encouraged to bring new books or purchase them in the store and donate.