Mr. Worthington, district staff, said the state designated Freeman, Forest Hills and Williston as Comprehensive School Improvement (CSI) schools and that the district will receive a multi-year allocation. The state added 50 new CSI schools systemwide this year, so district allocations may be smaller than in prior cycles; the state has yet to publish final amounts.

Mr. Worthington told the board the district’s review of past CSI spending showed better results from investments in people — coaching, incentive pay tied to student growth, and recruitment/retention — rather than one-time instructional software or materials. He recommended principals be allowed to propose tailored staff-focused plans (bonuses for measurable gains, additional coaching time, and targeted interventionists) that meet the grant’s “necessary, reasonable, supplemental and sustainable” criteria.

Board members asked for clarity on sustainability once three-year funds expire; staff said proposals should include sustainability plans and use CSI funds to build capacity that the district can absorb or transition into other funding streams.