Eagle Point SD 9 reviews early literacy grant application with $293,895 preliminary allocation

District staff presented details of an early literacy grant application and sought board direction on moving forward. Miss Shehorn told the board the preliminary allocation for the 2023–24 school year is $293,895 and that districts that apply must provide a 25 percent local match. The board had previously signaled intent by the Jan. 8 submission deadline; if the board formally approves pursuing the grant, meeting minutes confirming that action must be submitted by Feb. 28.

Why it matters: The grant is intended to support evidence-based early reading interventions. Miss Shehorn said allowable uses include adoption and implementation of literacy curricula, hiring literacy specialists or interventionists, professional development and coaching, extended learning programs and high-dosage tutoring. She also said the district currently uses WONDERS as its core elementary ELA curriculum and is piloting the i-Ready assessment in K–3 to inform intervention choices.

Details and next steps: Staff emphasized that the state figures are preliminary and that some expenditures can be backdated to October of the current fiscal year. Miss Shehorn said the district is planning allocations with sustainability in mind, prioritizing professional development and coaching so gains remain even if future funding is not available. She noted that the district would create a team of teachers, coaches and administrators to define specific professional development if funds are awarded.

Board members asked about the match and how flexible the budget would be if final allocations change. Miss Shehorn reiterated that final spending plans may shift depending on the confirmed allocation and forthcoming budget conversations. If the board moves to accept the grant application formally, staff must submit meeting minutes by Feb. 28 as part of the application timeline.