Lancaster ISD outlines 15-initiative plan to apply for Lasso Cycle 4 grants

Doctor Knight introduced Lancaster ISD’s proposed strategic plan to apply for the Lasso Cycle 4 grant and asked trustees to approve submission of a comprehensive application covering up to 15 initiatives. Melinda Cardenas of SustainEd Leaders presented the core high-leverage initiatives the district is prioritizing.

Cardenas outlined three curriculum/instruction grants (LIFT, School Improvement PLC, School Improvement Curriculum & Instruction Support) intended to fund instructional support in reading and math from approved providers and to provide funding for instructional staff and supplemental academic materials. She described educator-prep allotments that include a residency program allotment offering $10,000 per teacher resident and a "grow your own" allotment that provides at least $8,000 in tuition reimbursement for district employees working toward a bachelor’s degree and certification; mentor teachers would receive a minimum $1,000 stipend.

The presentation also highlighted a Texas Strategic Staffing residencies grant (presenter cited prior Lancaster ISD participation and a $58,400 amount associated with coordination support), ATSI for additional days/summer planning, a school action fund option used previously for the district’s sixth-grade center, and a virtual/hybrid program accelerator to provide planning and implementation supports. Cardenas said the initiatives align with existing district work and would be submitted as a single application.

Board members did not record a final vote at the work session; the item was presented for approval at the next regular meeting.