Seeking Public Comment on the RSU 2
Consolidated ESEA Application
RSU 2 accepts funding through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965. As part of ESEA, RSU 2 is required to provide reasonable opportunity for public comment on the consolidated application and consider such comment prior to the submission of the application. RSU 2 is accepting public comment on the ESEA application through July 31, 2023. Below, you will find our district and school goals along with the grant projects and budgets that will serve to achieve those goals. If you would like to provide comments for our consideration, you can access a comment form by clicking here: Public Comment on ESEA Federal Grant Application 23-24. If you need assistance or have questions, please contact Assistant Superintendent Kristie Clark at kclark@kidsrsu.org.
Application Summary
RSU Level Goals
Increase the percentage of students in grades K-10 meeting projected growth targets in reading and math as measured by NWEA.
K-12 teachers will increase their capacity to differentiate instruction and increase their knowledge of a proficiency-based learning model to meet the needs of all learners.
Increased family engagement and advocacy related to student access to educational programs and services.
RSU Projects that Support Achievement of the Goals
Homeless/Foster Care
Description: This is a required project each year that allows for supplementary funds for any homeless individuals in the RSU as needs arise. Our homeless liaison works with learners as we find out about their homelessness, and we determine what is necessary for instructional support. Budgeted amount: $500
Curriculum Professional Development Teacher Leaders
Description: This project will build capacity and leadership across the district for curricular processes necessary to informing best instructional practices. The proposed project aligns with the district and school goals of improving tier 1 instruction and differentiation K-12 in all content areas. There is a necessity to develop consistency in order to better serve the students and close some of the gaps which currently exist in the district's curriculum and instruction. Teacher leaders will provide staff training and support to colleagues on unpacking the learning standards, reviewing curriculum materials, and creating common assessments across all content areas. Money will be used to purchase books and supplies related to the curricular PD and to pay stipends to teacher leaders, teachers and educational technicians who participate in the learning outside of contractual time. Budgeted amount: $ 15,850
ESEA Coordinator Support
Description: The last two years there have been ongoing changes in the RSU#2 central office with the business manager position/finance director position and superintendent position. There is a high priority and need for training and support with the ESEA invoicing and maintaining compliance, as there are new hires in those two key positions. Funding will pay for a consultant to work up to 20 hours with the current business manager to be sure the RSU maintains compliance with the ESEA requirements and regulations. Budgeted amount: $1000
Family Liaisons
Description: This ESEA project funds two full-time liaisons who will oversee academic tutors (paid with ESSER III funds), collaborate with teachers, communicate with parents to increase student outcomes and provide a bridge of support between school and home. The liaisons will support students/families in all of the RSU 2 schools. This project supports district and school goals for improving student learning and growth outcomes by providing teachers and parents with information to not only meet the needs of all students but to build a positive collaboration between schools and homes. These partnerships will positively impact the ability of families to support their students at home with academics and increase overall student achievement outcomes. This project will also provide the two liaisons with the ability to communicate efficiently with families on behalf of the RSU by providing them with district-issued, dedicated cell phones. Budgeted amount: $64,000
Literacy Professional Learning
Description: This project will support the implementation of the district’s new K-5 reading/writing program. The funding will support literacy professional development provided by a consultant from Collaborative Classroom to all K-5 teachers as they work to implement the district’s new ELA program and learn instructional strategies aligned with the Science of Reading research.
Budgeted amount: 12,500
Differentiated Instruction/PBL Professional Development
Description: This project will provide staff with professional learning and development to improve instruction, grading and assessment in all content areas K-12. We will be collaborating with the Great Schools Partnership to implement a year-long professional development plan and the implementation of strategies to address and support best practices in pedagogy, curriculum, grading for equity and developing highly effective leadership for our schools. This proposed project relates to our need to accelerate the development of K-12 curricular elements that will inform instruction and criteria for learning proficiency across content areas. Through the work with Great Schools Partnership Inc., we will develop skills, knowledge and capacity for teachers and leaders particularly around curriculum, instruction, assessment and student learning supports. As we work to support the varied needs of all learners in RSU2, this project will support the efforts to differentiate instruction based on those individual needs. It will also support us as we work to create safe, inclusive learning environments for everyone. This project will provide the funding for Great Schools Partnership, Inc. contracted services and some funding for materials/supplies. Budgeted amount: $43,000
School Level Projects- Title 1
In addition to the RSU-wide projects above, a Title 1 project for each of the RSU elementary schools provides teachers and /or ed techs whose salaries and benefits are funded solely through the federal grant. These teachers and support staff are integral members of our staff and are funded annually through the ESEA grant. They provide such services as intervention programming, additional in-class assistance, small group pull-outs when needed to reinforce academic standards and family engagement opportunities. The schools with Title I staff are:
Budgeted Title I Allocations
Dresden Elementary $139,061.76
Monmouth Memorial School $135,536.32
Hall-Dale Elementary $62,767.52