Valleywide : Schools Get Funds for Reform Efforts

San Fernando Valley schools are getting nearly a $2-million helping hand with the announcement this week of the award of federal grants for districts participating in a national educational reform program.

Statewide, more than $15 million will be distributed to 227 school districts in the Goals 2000 program, which seeks to meet a broad set of educational goals by the end of the century.

The Los Angeles Unified School District, the state’s largest district, will share $1,594,040 among 221 schools. The Glendale Unified School District and the Burbank Unified School District will receive $187,340 and $139,020 respectively.

Glendale Unified will split its share among 17 of its 28 schools, said Alice Petrossian, director of special projects and intercultural education. The funds will be used on a variety of programs to improve academic achievement, student assessment and teaching and learning strategies.

Petrossian said the grants are based on a funding level of only $10 per pupil for participating schools but she’s satisfied with Glendale’s share.

“For education, everything we get we’re grateful for,” she said.

Other local districts receiving grants are Sulphur Springs Union School District in Canyon Country ($50,150) and the Gorman Elementary School District in Gorman ($5,760).

“With these funds, local schools have a tremendous opportunity to foster significantly greater parent and community participation in setting high standards for student achievement, preparing students for the world of work, and improving school safety and discipline,” State Supt. of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin said in a statement announcing the grants.