Fulton Schools May Cut Program

By Donna Lowry
Posted Thursday, May 4, 2006

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While some Fulton County parents are fired up over proposed cuts to music, art and foreign language programs, another successful program is also slated for cuts. The program on the chopping block has a proven record for turning around those who are headed for the streets as dropouts.

Ryan Foster, a student who benefitted from the Excel program, now works at the Mt. Vernon Towers retirement home. It’s a job that has given this 18-year-old's life more purpose and kept him in school. Not too long ago, Ryan's life was headed on a downward spiral. He planned to drop out of school until the Excel program picked him up.

“I didn't see the point. I was like, why am I here? This is stupid. I'm not learning anything,” said Ryan.

Ryan met Excel Program Director, Coach Richard Elan. "He really gave the fundamentals on why you need to pass your classes and when you pass your classes, what you get out of passing your classes."

Recently, Ryan celebrated at a special lunch at Golden Corral with dozens of fellow Excel students who've passed all their classes this semester at North Springs High School.

Nearly four of every 10 Georgia high school students drops out, giving this state one of the highest drop-out rates in the nation.

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