EAST LIVERPOOL — East Liverpool Board of Education members and superintendent Jonathan Ludwig are describing the district being awarded a $1.54 million grant through the Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant program as a major win for the both the school and the community.

“This $1.54 million literacy grant represents more than just funding — it’s an investment in our students, our teachers, and our community,” Ludwig said.

A media release provided by the district describes the grant as “a major initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Education and distributed by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.”

The release also noted that Ohio was one of just 23 recipients nationwide, and the state received one of the largest awards in the country: $60 million over five years.

This grant, which the district is describing as transformative, will support a comprehensive approach to literacy with focus on outcome improvement for traditionally underserved students in sixth through 12th grades.

Board member Tamar Cooper said she believes this grant will directly address the concern for middle and high school students who were impacted by missing out on foundational instruction during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“This is such a win for our students and our community. As a board, we’ve long recognized the urgent need to strengthen literacy support for our middle and high school learners,” Cooper said.

Cooper also noted that the grant will provide the district with the tools needed to close critical learning gaps and uplift every student.

“I’m thrilled about the opportunity this literacy grant provides–not only because it brings critical funding into our district, but because it represents a shared investment in the long-term academic success of our students,” Treasurer Anson Wiegand said.

Wiegand said the grant will allow the district to go above and beyond the district’s already strong core curriculum by allowing them to expand on the evidence-based reading support and the grant will allow them to do that without placing any additional strain on the school district’s General Fund.

“That’s a win for both student achievement and responsible financial stewardship,” Wiegand said.

Ludwig also noted that the grant will allow the district to expand in their proven success of the elementary Science of Reading foundation into the middle and high schools and that it will ensure each student no matter their background will have access to the tools they need to thrive.

According to the media release, key highlights of the grant are new high-quality curriculum for the high school, rewards intervention for sixth- through 12th-grade students, full-time literacy coaches in each of the district’s buildings, a literacy coordinator for the entire district, family and community engagement events which will allow for enhanced family literacy night, take home literacy kits for students and take everywhere reading backpacks, staff will be provided with professional learning to interpret and act on testing data, and a strengthened multi-tiered system of support for intervention and progress monitoring.

Those involved in helping the district get the award include: Wiegand; Ludwig; Ryan Willis, director of curriculum and school improvement; Bryian Burson and Paul Cusick, principals, Westgate Middle School’s ELA team and ESC partners.

Wiegand said the educational leadership came together to present a strong presentation of their desired outcome and process.

Ludwig who is incredibly proud of the team’s dedication said he is honored that East Liverpool has been chosen to lead what he describes as important work in literacy.

“This is a powerful step forward for Potter Nation,” Ludwig said.

Cooper also noted how proud she is of the district’s grant writing team for their work and vision in securing this opportunity.

“Through this investment, East Liverpool City Schools will play a leading role in Ohio’s statewide literacy initiative, prioritizing equity, excellence, and opportunity for every student,” the media release said. “We are beyond proud to help shape the future of literacy in our region — and we are always #PotterProud

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com