DETROIT – It was the biggest gift her show has ever bestowed.
In February, The Ellen Show donated half a million dollars to Detroit’s Spain Elementary School.
The renovations and improvements to the school were unveiled Thursday night. The improvements included a new roof and a new gym.
WATCH: The Ellen Show reveals Spain Elementary renovations
“I just want to thank her for doing this," Bajayne Dodson said with tears streaming down her face. “For all the kids in the community, it means so much.”
There are two major surprises which will be revealed on the Ellen Show on Friday. The Ellen Show airs at 3 p.m. on Local 4.
“What else can you say besides a hundred thank-yous, a thousand thank-yous,” Principal Frederick Cannon said. “Thank you sometimes just doesn’t do it and this is one of those situations where thank-you just doesn’t do it.”
Background
Spain-Middle School was renowned as the worst physical building in the entire district. The gymnasium was roped off and closed down due to mold. The roof was falling apart. Rodents infested the building and conditions spurred sick-outs among teachers, closing the school a number of times throughout January.
Students and staff were told to stay after school Feb 10. to be a part of a documentary on the problems plaguing Detroit Public Schools. They were in for a massive surprise and Degeneres delivered the news to the children and staff from her LA studio.
The TV show host teamed up with Lowe’s to write a check for $250,000 intended to pay for improvements, $50,000 towards new technology and $200,000 towards services. Students and staff were also given gift cards.
Former Principal caught in bribery scandal
Federal charges against former and current principals within the Detroit Public Schools district were handed down in March. Spain Elementary-Middle School's Ronald Alexander was among the those charged.
Alexander danced with joy when Ellen made the announcement and called it the best day of his educational career. His educational career didn't last much longer.
"I couldn't breathe," Alexander said at the announcement. "I started crying. I didn't know what to do."
DPS principals conspired with the vendor AllState Sales to give them payments -- through DPS funding -- in exchange for kickbacks.
Alexander teamed up with the owner of AllState Sales, Norman Shy, to receive kickbacks totaling about $23,000 between May 2009 and June 2014.
Alexander pleaded guilty to the charges in June. Prosecutors asked for a sentence of 19 to 24 months. Alexander asked for leniency because he is the sole cargiver of his 87-year-old mother who suffers from diabetes.
He was sentenced to 12 months in prison and two years of supervision when he gets out.