Is Gadsden City High School a good school?

Gadsden City High School ranks 197 th of 378 Alabama high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Gadsden City High School?

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,318 students attended Gadsden City High School.

What is the racial makeup of Gadsden City High School?

Students at Gadsden City High School are 45% African American, 31% White, 22% Hispanic, 1% Asian, 1% Two or more races.

What schools feed into Gadsden City High School?

Gadsden City High School is fed by the following schools: Elementary : Adams Elementary School Elementary : Donehoo Elementary School Elementary : Eura Brown Elementary School Elementary : Floyd Elementary School Elementary : Mitchell Elementary School Elementary : Thompson Elementary School Elementary : W E Striplin Elementary School Elementary : Walnut Park Elementary School Middle : Gadsden Middle School Middle : Litchfield Middle School Middle : Sansom Middle School

Gadsden City High School

Summary:

Gadsden City High School is a public high school in Gadsden, Alabama, serving 1,318 students in grades 9-12 as part of the Gadsden City School District, which is ranked 95 out of 137 districts in the state and has a 2-star rating.

Gadsden City High School stands out for its diverse student population, with 44.84% African American, 21.62% Hispanic, and smaller percentages of other races, significantly more diverse than nearby schools like Ohatchee High School, Sardis High School, and Southside High School, which tend to have majority White student populations. However, the school's academic performance, as measured by proficiency rates in state assessments, consistently lags behind the state averages and its neighbors, with only 18.21% proficient in Mathematics, 25.17% in Science, and 22.26% in English. Additionally, Gadsden City High School has a significantly higher percentage of students (76.1%) receiving free or reduced-price lunch compared to the nearby schools.

Despite having a relatively low student-teacher ratio of 15.5 to 1, Gadsden City High School's statewide ranking has been declining, from 172 out of 371 Alabama high schools in 2020-2021 to 197 out of 378 in 2023-2024. The school also shows significant disparities in the performance of different student subgroups, with African American students performing better than Hispanic and Native American students. Addressing these challenges, potentially through targeted interventions and resource allocation, could help Gadsden City High School improve its overall performance and provide a more equitable education for its diverse student population.

Detail:

Public 9-12

1917 Black Creek Parkway
Gadsden, AL 35904

(256) 543-3614

District: Gadsden City

SchoolDigger Rank:
197^th of 378 Alabama High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $10,701

Feeder schools for Gadsden City High School:

Elementary:	Adams Elementary School
	Donehoo Elementary School
	Eura Brown Elementary School
	Floyd Elementary School
	More...
	Mitchell Elementary School
	Thompson Elementary School
	W E Striplin Elementary School
	Walnut Park Elementary School
Middle:	Gadsden Middle School
	Litchfield Middle School
	Sansom Middle School

Student/teacher ratio: 15.5

Number of students: 1,318

Racial breakdown:

African American:

44.8%

White:

30.8%

Hispanic:

21.6%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 76.1%

See top rated Alabama high schools

Compare Gadsden City High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Gadsden City High School ranks worse than 52.1% of high schools in Alabama. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 45.64. (See more...)

The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Gadsden City High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.

The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.

Student Body

Compare Details Student population at Gadsden City High School is diverse. Racial makeup is: African American (44.8%), White (30.8%), Hispanic (21.6%). (See more...)

Compare Details 76.1% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Gadsden City High School is 15.5. (See more...)

Compare Gadsden City High School employs 84.9 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Gadsden City High School is $10,701.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Gadsden City High School:

SchoolDigger ranks Gadsden City High School 197^th of 378 Alabama public high schools. (See Gadsden City High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

English Language Learner students:

Special Education students:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Female students:

Male students:

African American students:

Hispanic students:

Native American students:

White students:

Gadsden City:

SchoolDigger ranks Gadsden City 95^th of 137 Alabama school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Gadsden City High School.

What do you think?

Your rating for Gadsden City High School?

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Rank History for Gadsden City High School

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Rank History for all students at Gadsden City High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	AL State Percentile
2008	25.84	315^th	359	12.3%
2009	31.18	293^rd	357	17.9%
2010	29.22	300^th	358	16.2%
2011	28.17	308^th	360	14.4%
2012	27.66	305^th	358	14.8%
2013	36.06	309^th	358	13.7%
2014	52.59	162^nd	358	54.7%
2015	36.88	233^rd	353	34.0%
2016	34.69	226^th	351	35.6%
2017	39.66	201^st	353	43.1%
2018	33.64	251^st	356	29.5%
2019	53.78	175^th	366	52.2%
2021	48.11	172^nd	371	53.6%
2022	44.20	192^nd	367	47.7%
2023	42.35	194^th	371	47.7%
2024	45.64	197^th	378	47.9%

See the entire list of Alabama High School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Gadsden City High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	AL State Percentile
2018	25.47	16^th	22	27.3%
2019	39.99	14^th	29	51.7%
2021	26.71	20^th	28	28.6%
2022	33.30	16^th	39	59.0%
2023	28.08	23^rd	43	46.5%
2024	51.14	19^th	63	69.8%

See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Gadsden City High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	AL State Percentile
2018	22.03	129^th	160	19.4%
2019	23.32	143^rd	171	16.4%
2021	38.33	122^nd	196	37.8%
2022	67.18	44^th	169	74.0%
2023	48.37	75^th	182	58.8%
2024	43.28	96^th	198	51.5%

See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Gadsden City High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	AL State Percentile
2017	22.45	260^th	315	17.5%
2018	23.34	271^st	349	22.3%
2019	29.89	254^th	358	29.1%
2021	41.50	201^st	361	44.3%
2022	38.52	221^st	361	38.8%
2023	48.17	159^th	349	54.4%
2024	39.61	222^nd	375	40.8%

See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Gadsden City High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	AL State Percentile
2017	40.79	190^th	343	44.6%
2018	33.44	241^st	347	30.5%
2019	52.80	169^th	354	52.3%
2021	47.58	181^st	359	49.6%
2022	31.02	250^th	367	31.9%
2023	44.21	181^st	358	49.4%
2024	43.76	193^rd	366	47.3%

See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Gadsden City High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	AL State Percentile
2017	35.79	211^th	339	37.8%
2018	32.15	241^st	350	31.1%
2019	51.38	179^th	357	49.9%
2021	47.25	176^th	366	51.9%
2022	57.65	126^th	366	65.6%
2023	36.63	218^th	358	39.1%
2024	45.26	189^th	368	48.6%

See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Gadsden City High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	AL State Percentile
2017	31.98	132^nd	189	30.2%
2018	42.35	115^th	223	48.4%
2019	45.89	101^st	224	54.9%
2021	54.00	71^st	228	68.9%
2022	42.21	107^th	222	51.8%
2023	40.60	124^th	224	44.6%
2024	52.98	79^th	231	65.8%

See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Gadsden City High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	AL State Percentile
2017	35.98	52^nd	93	44.1%
2018	23.84	72^nd	95	24.2%
2019	13.15	93^rd	103	9.7%
2021	34.41	70^th	113	38.1%
2022	42.49	57^th	114	50.0%
2023	31.52	74^th	122	39.3%
2024	19.76	121^st	139	12.9%

See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for Native American students at Gadsden City High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	AL State Percentile
2019	9.85	34^th	35	2.9%
2022	9.58	39^th	40	2.5%
2024	24.39	42^nd	55	23.6%

See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for Native American Students!

Rank History for White students at Gadsden City High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	AL State Percentile
2017	62.38	67^th	230	70.9%
2018	48.90	136^th	300	54.7%
2019	77.66	59^th	313	81.2%
2021	52.01	137^th	319	57.1%
2022	55.68	120^th	326	63.2%
2023	44.67	153^rd	317	51.7%
2024	55.65	116^th	325	64.3%

See the entire list of Best Alabama High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Alabama State Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: Alabama State Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.8)

76%

24%

Reviews:

by a parent
Tuesday, June 6, 2017

-AP program is great
-Career tech, medical internship and health sciences are wonderful. Also, vocational schools in cosmotolgy, automotive, heating and cooling plus more make it attainable for all to get training to ensure thier futures.
-the experience to enjoy a blend of many multicultural and diverse backgrounds working together as a unified body. Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, June 6, 2017

This school has the best academics (AP Program) for my children. I am thankful for this academics offered by this school! It is the best around! There is NO doubt my children will be well prepared for college. Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, June 6, 2017

My children received an excellent education through the gadsden city school system. Our daughter went to college with full academic scholarship and our 17 yr old is poised to do the same next year. I credit the gadsden city schools. Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, June 6, 2017

I have had two children attend Gadsden City High. They both received an excellent education, taking advantage of their large number of A.P. Classes, giving them a leg up preparing for college. Both participated in their excellent band program. My wife and I could not have been happier with GCHS! Close Quote

by a parent
Friday, June 2, 2017

The school offers more academic options than many colleges. The school offers vocational training in a number of industrial disciplines. The school provides an extensive AP program and duel enrollment program. The school offers many extracurricular activities and social organizations. Close Quote

Enrollment information for Gadsden City High School

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
2007	536	864	14	61	4	n/a	n/a	1	1480
2008	564	883	17	65	5	n/a	n/a	0	1534
2009	542	899	19	59	16	n/a	n/a	0	1535
2010	527	967	21	79	10	n/a	n/a	0	1604
2011	525	958	20	88	7	0	0	0	1598
2012	536	877	20	92	6	0	4	0	1535
2013	587	841	23	105	6	0	13	0	1575
2014	589	820	21	112	4	0	13	0	1559
2015	594	783	20	120	4	0	14	0	1535
2016	576	782	16	126	5	1	12	0	1518
2017	608	724	15	137	3	0	14	0	1501
2018	617	695	14	176	4	0	18	0	1524
2019	579	689	16	207	5	0	16	0	1512
2020	517	629	16	233	6	0	16	0	1417
2021	432	621	15	251	5	0	9	0	1333
2022	428	617	18	267	1	0	10	0	1341
2023	406	591	17	285	2	0	17	0	1318

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Gadsden City High School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2007	1480	n/a	n/a	57.6
2008	1534	100.3	15.3	55.9
2009	1535	95.9	15.9	64.8
2010	1604	85.8	18.6	67.3
2011	1598	90.8	17.5	71.6
2012	1535	93.3	16.4	70.8
2013	1575	94.8	16.6	64.6
2014	1559	92.8	16.7	73.1
2015	1535	91.0	16.8	63.1
2016	1518	92.0	16.5	61.5
2017	1501	92.1	16.2	63
2018	1524	96.4	15.8	58.9
2019	1512	97.4	15.5	48.8
2020	1417	98.2	14.4	57.9
2021	1333	97.9	13.6	59.3
2022	1341	92.5	14.4	63.1
2023	1318	84.9	15.5	76.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Gadsden City High School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2007	1480	n/a	n/a	57.6
2008	1534	100.3	15.3	55.9
2009	1535	95.9	15.9	64.8
2010	1604	85.8	18.6	67.3
2011	1598	90.8	17.5	71.6
2012	1535	93.3	16.4	70.8
2013	1575	94.8	16.6	64.6
2014	1559	92.8	16.7	73.1
2015	1535	91.0	16.8	63.1
2016	1518	92.0	16.5	61.5
2017	1501	92.1	16.2	63
2018	1524	96.4	15.8	58.9
2019	1512	97.4	15.5	48.8
2020	1417	98.2	14.4	57.9
2021	1333	97.9	13.6	59.3
2022	1341	92.5	14.4	63.1
2023	1318	84.9	15.5	76.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Gadsden City High School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$1,038 (9.7%)	$9,632 (90.0%)	$10,701

Data source: Alabama Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Gadsden City High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 175^th of 366 High schools	Ranks 194^th of 371 High schools	4.5%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
End of Course Mathematics (Gadsden City High School)	39.7	19.3	20.4%
End of Course Mathematics (Gadsden City)	39.7	19.3	20.4%
End of Course Mathematics (Alabama)	42.5	23.6	19%
End of Course Science (Gadsden City High School)	37.4	22.2	15.2%
End of Course Science (Gadsden City)	37.4	22.2	15.2%
End of Course Science (Alabama)	42.6	31.7	10.9%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	1512	1318	12.8%
African American	689	591	14.2%
American Indian	5	2	60%
Asian	16	17	6.3%
Hispanic	207	285	37.7%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	579	406	29.9%
Two or More Races	16	17	6.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	48.8%	76.1%	27.3%

Schools Near Gadsden City High School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				Summative Assessment Mathematics (2024)			Summative Assessment Science (2024)		Summative Assessment English (2024)			Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	Summative Assessment Mathematics 7th Grade	Summative Assessment Mathematics 8th Grade	Summative Assessment Mathematics 11th Grade	Summative Assessment Science 8th Grade	Summative Assessment Science 11th Grade	Summative Assessment English 7th Grade	Summative Assessment English 8th Grade	Summative Assessment English 11th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Gadsden City High School	Public	9-12	1917 Black Creek Parkway	Gadsden	35904	Etowah County	Gadsden City	No	No	No	No	(256) 543-3614	1,318	85	15.5	76.1%	406 (30.8%)	591 (44.8%)	285 (21.6%)	17 (1.3%)	2 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	17 (1.3%)	45.6	197^th of 378 public high schools	47.9%		42.3	194^th of 371 public high schools	47.7%	3			18.2		25.2			22.3	$10,701	$1,038	$9,632
Gadsden City Alternative School	Public	6-12	607 S 12th St	Gadsden	35901	Etowah County	Gadsden City	No	No	No	No	(256) 547-5446	0				0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
C I T Y Program	Public	6-12	435 E Chestnut	Gadsden	35903	Etowah County	Gadsden City	No	No	No	No	(256) 543-2489	0				0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Career Technical Center	Public	9-12	105 Burke Ave SE	Attalla	35954	Etowah County	Etowah County	No	No	No	No	(256) 538-3312	0				0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Etowah High School	Public	9-12	201 Case Avenue SE	Attalla	35954	Etowah County	Attalla City	No	No	No	No	(256) 538-8381	472	29	16.0	78.8%	332 (70.3%)	73 (15.5%)	39 (8.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	28 (5.9%)	82.8	47^th of 378 public high schools	87.6%		25.7	278^th of 371 public high schools	25.1%	231			26.3		44.4			44.4	$11,236	$1,529	$9,664
Southside High School	Public	9-12	2361 School Drive	Southside	35907	Etowah County	Etowah County	No	No	No	No	(256) 442-2172	770	42	18.2	41.7%	627 (81.4%)	47 (6.1%)	43 (5.6%)	24 (3.1%)	4 (0.5%)	2 (0.3%)	23 (3.0%)	67.4	93^rd of 378 public high schools	75.4%		73.2	79^th of 371 public high schools	78.7%	14			22.8		39.3			28.4	$7,930	$552	$7,332
Glencoe High School	Public	9-12	803 Lonesome Bend Rd	Glencoe	35905	Etowah County	Etowah County	No	No	No	No	(256) 492-2250	285	18	15.7	52.3%	264 (92.6%)	2 (0.7%)	8 (2.8%)	2 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (3.2%)	58.1	134^th of 378 public high schools	64.6%		58.4	130^th of 371 public high schools	65.0%	4			18.9		36.5			24.3	$11,338	$1,412	$9,922
Gaston High School	Public	7-12	4550 US Highway 411	Gadsden	35901	Etowah County	Etowah County	No	No	No	Yes	(256) 547-8828	368	19	19.4	75.0%	303 (82.3%)	26 (7.1%)	14 (3.8%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	24 (6.5%)	37.8	232^nd of 378 public high schools	38.6%		23.1	289^th of 371 public high schools	22.1%	57	18.3	10.0	19.7	15.7	16.9	58.3	54.3	18.8	$11,715	$2,360	$9,318
Hokes Bluff High School	Public	9-12	1865 Appalachia Rd	Hokes Bluff	35903	Etowah County	Etowah County	No	No	No	No	(256) 492-1360	355	22	16.0	52.1%	325 (91.5%)	3 (0.8%)	8 (2.3%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	18 (5.1%)	47.1	188^th of 378 public high schools	50.3%		41.5	196^th of 371 public high schools	47.2%	8			21.8		30.8			14.3	$10,424	$1,191	$9,200
Sardis High School	Public	9-12	1420 Church St	Sardis City	35956	Etowah County	Etowah County	No	No	No	Yes	(256) 593-5221	584	29	19.9	63.4%	493 (84.4%)	5 (0.9%)	62 (10.6%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	4 (0.7%)	18 (3.1%)	36	238^th of 378 public high schools	37.0%		39.4	205^th of 371 public high schools	44.7%	33			11.5		27.7			15.6	$9,558	$1,497	$8,025

Gadsden City High School

Gadsden City High School:

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Gadsden City:

Average Parent Rating:

What do you think?

Rank History for Gadsden City High School

Rank History for all students at Gadsden City High School

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Gadsden City High School

Rank History for Special Education students at Gadsden City High School

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Gadsden City High School

Rank History for Female students at Gadsden City High School

Rank History for Male students at Gadsden City High School

Rank History for African American students at Gadsden City High School

Rank History for Hispanic students at Gadsden City High School

Rank History for Native American students at Gadsden City High School

Rank History for White students at Gadsden City High School

Review counts

Enrollment information for Gadsden City High School

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Gadsden City High School

Student/Teacher Ratio Gadsden City High School

Per Pupil Expenditures for Gadsden City High School

Impact of COVID-19 on Gadsden City High School

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near Gadsden City High School

Frequently Asked Questions about Gadsden City High School

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