West Chester, PA (March 4, 2024) – The Coatesville Area School District (CASD) received an additional $650,000 in state grant funding thanks to the work of state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
The additional funds, which come through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Ready to Learn Block Grant program, are being used to support kindergarten programs and teachers.
“Studies show that so much learning, growth, and development takes place in a child’s early years,” said Comitta, who began her career in the classroom as a public school teacher. “I’m thrilled that we successfully secured these additional funds for kindergarten teachers and programs in Coatesville area schools.”
“This funding provides tremendous support for our district, and we are very grateful to Senator Comitta for her work in securing this grant for our schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Catherine Van Vooren. “Coatesville’s elementary program is robust, dynamic and warm, focused on helping students to build a strong foundation in literacy and math while also engaging them in important social and emotional skill building. Ultimately, we want students to develop not only important academic skills, but also a lifelong love of learning. Funding like this goes far in helping us to achieve those goals.”
The grant funding includes stipulations for use. Coatesville allocates this funding for kindergarten teacher salaries and benefits. Funding that would have gone to support staffing can then be used for programming, teacher training, technology, materials, and/or supplies.
Ready to Learn Block Grants support pre-k and elementary school educational programming in public schools. Last year’s state budget allocated $295 million to Ready to Learn Block Grants throughout the Commonwealth. The grants are awarded to school districts using a formula established by the fiscal code. Under that formula, CASD received $1.1 million in funding. With the additional support secured by Comitta, the district received a total of $1.75 million through the program.
Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee, worked diligently to secure the added resources.
“All children deserve a strong foundation for success in school, work, and life,” she said.
CASD offers full-day, no-cost kindergarten at all five of its elementary schools. Rolling admission is available throughout the year. Incoming kindergartners and their families are invited to attend the upcoming kindergarten carnival on the evening of Wednesday, March 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rainbow Elementary School.