$44 million. That’s how much the state Department of Education awarded to 149 schools throughout the state, 21 of which are in Polk County.

The funds, given from the Unified School Improvement Grant, are going to Florida’s most vulnerable schools, or those that are the lowest-performing 5%.

Polk schools receiving aid are:

Alta Vista Elementary School
Ben Hill Griffin Jr. Elementary School
Crystal Lake Elementary School
Denison Middle School
Dixieland Elementary School
Eastside Elementary School
Fred G. Garner Elementary School
Griffin Elementary School
Inwood Elementary School
James E. Stephen Elementary School
Jesse Keen Elementary School
John Snively Elementary
Kingsford Elementary School
Laurel Elementary School
Mclaughlin Middle School and Fine Arts Academy
Oscar J. Pope Elementary School
Palmetto Elementary School
Phillip O’Brien Elementary School
Purcell Elementary School
Spook Hill Elementary School
Tenoroc High School

So, where exactly is the money going? Although PCPS has yet to share exactly how the funds will be applied, the state’s release suggests the following uses:

Effective or highly effective teachers could receive up to $15,000.
Principals may receive up to $45,000 for recruitment, retention, and performance.
At each school, 1 assistant principal could receive up to $10,000 for recruitment and retention.
Up to $100,000 for a literacy coach and the implementation of ELA B.E.S.T. Standards per school.
Up to $100,000 for a strategic initiatives coach per school.
Up to $30,000 for professional development + instructional materials for teachers.

Know someone who might be affected by the grant or have ideas on how they would allocate it? Invite them to tell us in this poll.

Poll

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