Ira H. Durgan, the librarian at the Phoenix School, has all she needs to get students wound up about reading, which just might make her job a little easier.

A recent $17,000 grant from the state was presented to the Phoenix School by state Sen. Hank Sanders.

Each instructor at the school received $1,000 for the purchase of supplies and materials. The rest will be used at the discretion of the principal, William Minor.

It was a recent program that Sanders attended at the school which sparked the idea to provide the funds. He saw the need and said he felt compelled to help out. Sanders is the chairman of the education and taxation committee.

But it was also the students at the Phoenix School who convinced Sanders that the educational process was in effect and teachers were doing their jobs.

As a result of the grant, Durgan was able to purchase materials for, and able to implement, the Accelerated Reading Program. Software was already available, but books, tests and other materials for it were obsolete.

Science teacher Quintella Harrell was able to buy scientific charts, models, glassware, software and safety equipment with the $1,000. she got.

The Plant Street-based school houses approximately 52 students each year, and currently has an enrollment of 45. Since its inception in 1991, the alternative school has focused on educating students who are unable to function well in traditional school settings.