District instructional leaders described a multi-pronged early-literacy initiative after Rowan County Schools was recognized with a state strategic-priority award for efforts to improve early reading.

At the Feb. 13 meeting, Miss Carver said the district was named the winner of the Kentucky Board of Education’s 2024 Kevin C. Brown Strategic Priority Award for work aligned to the Right to Succeed Act and for coordinating funds and supports to improve early literacy. She listed the programs and funding streams the district used to assemble a reading initiative that spans grade levels.

"We integrated funds from ESSER, Title I, Title II, Title IV and the reading improvement grant to implement a comprehensive reading initiative," Miss Carver said. She described the district’s adoption of high-quality instructional resources for K–12, use of digital tools (Lexia and Reading Plus), a 120-minute elementary reading block called WIN time, targeted reading-improvement plans for below-proficiency students and professional learning through LETRS cohorts paid in part with ESSER funds.

Carver also noted district partnerships with local institutions, including reading volunteers from Morehead State University, the Rowan County Library bookmobile and school-based reading events to extend community engagement.

The board and staff emphasized that the work is an ongoing effort of instructional coaches and building leaders supported by the district’s funding choices. Miss Carver said teachers in LETRS cohorts receive 24 hours of professional development over two years plus a stipend funded with ESSER money.

Board members congratulated staff for the award and for prioritizing reading instruction as a foundation for later success.