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Interim superintendent announces four priorities and $139,326 early-literacy grant
Summary
Interim Superintendent Sanders outlined four academic priorities—grade-level work, strong instruction, deep engagement and high expectations—and announced a $139,326 Michigan Section 35m early-literacy materials award to buy Amplify curriculum and professional learning.
Interim Superintendent Sanders used his first board work session to set an academic agenda and announce a state grant for elementary literacy.
Sanders told the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board that the district received a Michigan Section 35m early literacy materials grant and that "Benton Harbor Area Schools has received the award." He said the district was awarded $139,326 to support adoption and implementation of Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (3rd edition) and related professional learning. Sanders described the grant as intended to provide high-quality instructional resources and professional learning aligned to Michigan's early literacy initiatives and the science of reading.
Sanders laid out four priorities that he said will drive district decisions: (1) grade-level work, (2) strong instruction and teacher supports, (3) deep engagement for students and teachers (including expansion of CTE offerings), and (4) high expectations for staff and students. He said the state approved the district's professional development plan for the full school year and described the PD timeline: initial activities the week of Aug. 17, an optional Aug. 21 session, teachers returning Aug. 24, and students returning Aug. 31.
Why it matters: the grant pays for curriculum materials and implementation supports that Sanders said will strengthen reading instruction for the district's youngest learners. Trustees asked whether restorative-practices work and MTSS training would be part of the PD; Sanders confirmed social-emotional and MTSS supports will be included in the PD schedule and follow-up plans.
