“ I remember as a teacher asking students to read at home , only to learn that they didn ’ t have any books at home ,” Holly added . “ That ’ s a major issue and it ’ s something that we are trying to beat in Huntsville .”
The success of ‘ A Time to Read ’ prompted the McMichaels to join a long-range planning committee that was established by Huntsville ISD Superintendent Dr . Scott Sheppard to explore future enhancements for the district . The planning committee recommended the bond proposal that voters approved earlier this year .
The duo followed up their work on the committee by serving as co-chairmen of a political action committee in support of the bond propositions .
“ I don ’ t generally get political , but this was about our kids ,” BJ said . “ I feel that it ’ s my duty to take whatever leadership I have been given and leverage it for the most vulnerable , and that ’ s our children .” “ It felt personal ,” Holly added about the $ 127 million bond package . “ We have two kids in the district and neither one of them will really get to experience the improvements . But we had heard story after story about people coming to Huntsville from other districts and laughing at our facilities . That does something to a child ’ s morale .”
Since the passage of two proposed bond packages in May , the McMichaels have devoted much of their spare time to their church and reestablishing ‘ A Time to Read ’ within the Huntsville ISD campuses . Despite the challenges and triumphs , they stay steadfast on their goal of building up their hometown community .
— More information on ‘ A Time to Read ’ can be found online at www . atime2read . org .
20 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | JULY-AUGUST 2021
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I remember as a teacher asking students to read at home , only to learn that they didn ’ t have any books at home . That ’ s a major issue and it ’ s something that we are trying to beat in Huntsville .
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