Chelsea schools have been awarded a $5,000 state grant, Mayor Earl Niven announced at a Sept. 19 city council meeting.

Alabama Rep. Steve French secured the grant, of which $3,000 will go towards a K-3 grade reading program. How the other $2,000 is being spent is somewhat of a surprise.

Mayor Niven said the money is going towards a &8220;special project&8221; to be revealed at Chelsea High School&8217;s Oct. 13 Homecoming football game.

&8220;It always good when you can give money to schools,&8221; said Niven.

The council also unanimously approved a $4.5 million budget last week of which at least $90,000 will go towards the city&8217;s schools.

&8220;Our commitment is not only for public welfare and

safety, but also for public education,&8221; said Niven.

Chelsea Elementary, Park, Middle and High schools will each receive $20,000. Mt Laurel Elementary &045; which is not within city limits even though some residents attend school there &045; will receive $10,000.

The city of Chelsea has given its schools more than $500,000 over the last eight years.