The Eagle Point School District 9 held a regular meeting on January 1, 2024, where key discussions centered around the district's application for an early literacy grant. The meeting featured an update from Missus Shehorn, who outlined the potential funding allocation of $293,895 for the 2023-2024 school year, contingent upon the successful completion of the application process.

To qualify for the grant, the district is required to provide a 25% match, amounting to approximately $73,400, which will be sourced from various funds including SIA, title, and general funds. The district is strategically planning to utilize these funds for essential literacy programs, including the adoption of new curricula, hiring literacy specialists, and providing professional development for staff.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of readiness indicators that the district must address in their application. These indicators include current literacy programs, social-emotional learning initiatives, and the effectiveness of existing assessments like iReady, which is being implemented for grades K-3.

In addition to the grant application, discussions included the need for sustainable professional development to ensure long-term benefits for staff and students. The district is considering hiring interventionists for second-grade classrooms to provide additional support, although this would depend on the final budget and grant approval.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to enhancing literacy education and the strategic planning necessary to secure and effectively utilize grant funding. The next steps will involve finalizing the application and preparing for potential budget adjustments based on the outcome of the grant process.