An Ironton Middle School teacher asked the Ironton City Council to designate the city as an America250 community so the school's students can apply for an America250 grant.

Elizabeth Crawford, an eighth‑grade social studies teacher at Ironton Middle School, told the council she wanted to put together a project with middle‑school students (and potentially two other local schools) and needed a government partner to apply for the America250 grant. "We'd like to put a project together with our students, at the middle school and potentially the 2 other schools as well," Crawford said, adding that Lawrence County had already applied but the city would need its own designation for the school to receive a grant.

Council response and next steps

A council member said the city had not committed anything to the America250 effort and that multiple organizations within a county can apply. A councilor offered to sponsor the request and said a resolution would likely be the appropriate form. "I'll be happy to sponsor that. I think it'll be in a resolution form, but I'll consult with our solicitors and, we'll get you the legislation that you need to to show for our support," the councilor said.

The council also offered city assistance: staff said the city employs a CAO who assists with grant writing and that the teacher could be connected for help completing the application.

Limits and clarifications

Council members cautioned that applying does not guarantee grant funding. One councilor said, "We're not guaranteed anything. Just like, you know, you apply and they make a decision." The transcript records no formal motion or vote to adopt a designation; council members indicated they would prepare supporting legislation and provide staff assistance.

Ending

Council members agreed to sponsor the school's effort, consult the solicitor on resolution language and connect the teacher with the city's CAO for grant‑writing assistance so the school can proceed with an America250 application.