Coquille SD proposes $84,000 first‑year early literacy plan tied to state grant

District literacy coordinator Tanya Sinko asked the Coquille School District 8 board to approve an Early Literacy Plan on Jan. 17 that would position the district to receive a non-competitive governor's grant tied to HB 3188. The plan targets children ages 3 through third grade and emphasizes reading, writing, listening, speaking and storytelling, with a particular emphasis on storytelling for students with tribal heritage.

Sinko said the district would receive approximately $84,000 in the first year and an estimated $87,000 in year two, amounts calculated based on district student counts and size. The minutes record allowable uses under the grant: high-dosage tutoring (explicitly not after-school tutoring), additional interventionist support, extended programming, transportation support, and professional development for ELA teachers and educational assistants. The plan also includes hiring an educational assistant for Lincoln School of Early Learning if the grant is awarded.

Board action: The pack of Discussion/Action items numbered 8.1 through 8.5 (which includes the Early Literacy Plan) was approved as a block; Heather Echavarria moved to approve items 8.1–8.5 and Steve Britton seconded; the motion passed unanimously. Superintendent Wayne Gallagher said the district will submit the application and return to the board for final acceptance once the state awards the grant.

What happens next: District staff said they expect to find out in early March whether the application is approved; if awarded, the grant and specific hires and program changes will be brought back to the board for implementation oversight.