District plans English language arts adoption, seeks literacy and teacher-development grants; two schools named Capturing Kids' Hearts showcases

The district’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and assessment told the board on May 5 that English language arts (ELA) instructional materials are slated for adoption next year and staff have begun internal conversations with principals and instructional coaches.

Grants and funding Staff reported several grant applications. The district submitted an application to the Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant and calculated potential first-year funding of $140,000 for kindergarten–grade 5 and $140,000 for grades 6–12, for a combined first-year request of $280,000 (the application requests multiple grade-band funding for up to four years). Staff characterized the grant as competitive and said many districts are applying. The district also applied to the Quality Teacher Recruitment program to support mentor stipends and development for instructional coaches; staff said the district already budgets for mentor stipends and is seeking grant funds to offset those costs.

Community partnerships and recognition Staff said Connor Kokash (a former Fort Morgan graduate) and representatives from an organization identified in the packet approached the district with potential giving tied to literacy; staff reported an easy application process for multi-year gifts that could support literacy initiatives.

Capturing Kids’ Hearts recognition The assistant superintendent reported that Lincoln High School and Baker Elementary have been chosen as Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools; leadership coach Mark Haschel submitted nominations. Staff said both buildings received recognition materials to share with their staffs.

No board action was required on the ELA adoption planning or grant submissions at this meeting; staff said federal allocations from the state for Title programs remain pending and that that timing could affect budget-year planning.