Corbin schools receive $975k literacy grant

Corbin Independent Schools will receive a $975,000 federal grant to improve literacy at all grade levels.

Corbin Board of Education Chair Kim Croley presented Chief Rusty Hedrick and Sergeant Bill Rose with t-shirts for each member of the police department in recognition of its service to the school system and the community.

At the Corbin Independent School Board’s regular monthly meeting Thursday, Mark Daniels, Director of Support Services, announced that the school system had been awarded the grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The grant will provide the school system with $325,000 over each of the next three years to focus on literacy and technology in an effort to improve learning in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math through the school district’s Innovative Approaches to Literacy.

“There is no match, whatsoever,” Daniels said when asked if the school system would be required to contribute any funds.

The funds will be used to purchase up-to-date literacy materials throughout the school district, along with professional development to school library personnel.

In addition, it will provide early literacy services and fund programs to encourage and aid parents reading aloud to their children beginning in infancy.

Officials estimated the grant would serve 3,600 students and their families in grades preschool through 12.

Daniels explained that reading informational text is different that reading for fun and enjoyment.

“Your brain processes that in a whole different way,” Daniels explained.

Daniels said the school system applied for the grant in April. The initial funds are scheduled to be available this month.

In other business the board:

• Approved a correction to the 2018-19 calendar changing the last day of school to May 17. It will be a half day. The change was necessary because school will be out on Nov. 5.
• Recognized the Corbin Police Department for its efforts through the school resource officer program. Chief Rusty Hedrick and Sergeant Bill Rose were in attendance. Board Chair Kim Croley presented Hedrick with “Redhound Pride” t-shirts for each of his officers.
• Approved contracts allowing any and all students from Barbourville Independent, Bell County, Harlan Independent, Jackson County, Whitley County and Williamsburg Independent school districts to attend Corbin Independent.
• Approved a contract allowing a limit of 370 students from the Knox County School District to attend Corbin Independent Schools. Superintendent Dave Cox said that number remains unchanged from the 2017-18 school year.