Colton SD 53 board approves $25,000 increase for elementary literacy; requests midyear update

The Colton SD 53 School Board approved a $25,000 increase to elementary general fund appropriations to expand literacy supports under Resolution 2025-12. The motion to adjust fiscal-year 2025–26 appropriations was made by Committee member (S2) and seconded by Committee member (S4). The board recorded a roll-call vote with Jeremy, Sid and Saison each saying “Aye,” and the motion carried.

Committee member (S2) framed the increase as part of an ongoing effort to improve elementary reading scores and requested near-term follow-up. “Maybe we get some kind of feedback in a couple months or so, you know, try to get a report back on how that's going just so we can talk about with the public as to how the funds are supporting those efforts,” Committee member (S2) said.

Presenter (S5), who described how the funds will be used, said the increase will go toward reading small-group support, special-education reading support, additional small-group math support and paying student teachers to assist with instruction. “It's going to, go to reading small group support both with predominantly reading and special education support for reading and then also some math support,” Presenter (S5) said. Presenter (S5) added that the midyear data share in February or early March will include the outcomes for these supports.

The board did not specify a larger reallocation in the meeting packet beyond the $25,000 increase to the elementary budget. The Chair called the vote after concluding discussion.

Next steps: staff will include the literacy appropriation results in the district’s midyear data report, and the principal’s scheduled reports (three times per year) will also capture progress on these initiatives.