Superintendent announces grants and programs to expand ninth‑grade supports and summer acceleration

Superintendent Dr. Gatto updated the Westminster Public Schools Board on March 10 with several funding developments and program highlights intended to expand opportunity and student supports.

Dr. Gatto said the district has "received preliminary approval for $100,000" in reallocated Title/school improvement funds that would support two concurrent‑enrollment courses (biology and psychology) and provide funding for up to four teachers in an 18‑day summer acceleration program. He said those reallocations are intended to maximize resources and accelerate student success.

He also reported that Westminster High School has been awarded $85,000 from the Colorado Department of Education to support a ninth‑grade academy; he noted the final funding amounts are pending passage of legislation at the end of the month. The ninth‑grade academy will use AVID strategies and college and career readiness practices to onboard incoming freshmen and improve transition to high school.

The superintendent reported the Westminster Public Schools Foundation received a $10,000 grant to provide short‑term housing assistance to families through a district program (the transcript recorded a foundation name that is unclear; the payment and program purpose were spoken on the record). Dr. Gatto also described student internship experiences, program awards in athletics and the arts, and upcoming community events.

The board heard the updates as part of its regular superintendent report and did not take separate votes on these announcements during the meeting.