District cites early gains from Once Reading pilot as board approves federal programs evaluation

District staff presented the annual federal programs evaluation and highlighted how Title I–IV funds were used this year to expand direct interventions, support displaced students and professional development. The presenter (Katie) described growth in Title I services from two buildings to five and detailed the district’s partnership with the Once Reading program, which provided intensive early-literacy support.

Katie said two teachers served 48 kindergarten students in a 1-on-1 setting through the Once Reading pilot, delivering roughly 414 hours of instruction (about 17 hours per student across an average 86 sessions per student), and that preliminary growth scores for participating students were strong. She said the program supplied summer materials and provided professional development for staff; preliminary data are being compiled and will be shared when available. Katie credited reduced transportation costs under Dr. Roheller’s leadership and listed various Title II–IV supports, including ELL tutoring and funding for counseling and college tuition for some students.

Board members asked questions about ELL staffing and program expansion. In response to an ELL staffing question, the presenter estimated roughly 13 ELL teachers districtwide and said the district is working to provide services in students’ home schools rather than centralizing them. The presenter said the district had initial randomized research requirements for the pilot and is exploring expansion to additional Title I schools where funding permits; she has requested quotes for expansion to 5–7 schools.

After the presentation, a motion and second were made and the board approved the federal program evaluation as presented on a voice vote.

The district will return follow-up data and video examples from the Once Reading pilot as preliminary analyses are finalized.