The Warren County School District is likely to receive for more than $1 million from the state to pay for 12 kindergarten teachers.

Board members have approved an application to the state Education Department’s Ready to Learn block grant program for $1,023,439. If the state approves the application the grant will be used to pay salaries for full-day kindergarten teachers for the 2023-24 school year. Warren is likely to see its request granted since it is the same amount approved from 2015-16 through 2021-22.

The state has budgeted $295 million statewide for the Ready to Learn program with grants to be distributed in accordance with an existing state formula, according to the state Education Department’s website. Grant money can be used for several things, including to establish, maintain or expand pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes, decrease class sizes in kindergarten through third grade so that classrooms have fewer than 17 children per teacher or two teachers for every 35 students.

The Ready to Learn application is one of several grant applications approved this week.

An application for a grant from the Cummins Foundation to purchase a wet blast cabinet for use by the power equipment technology program at the Warren County Career Center was approved. The system is estimated to cost $12,513.59 in total.

A request to participate in the Success for PA Early Learners program was approved. The grant program provides funding for professional development training for those working with early learners to improve literacy, and school and family engagement.

The board also approved various contracts with outside agencies.

An open-ended moving contract was approved with Avail Construction to provide moving services on an as-needed basis at $25 per hour per employee. Total charges for work under the contract are not to exceed $100,000.

An agreement with Jamestown Public Schools to provide instruction to district students receiving in- or out-patient mental health care during the 2023-24 school year was approved. Services will be provided at a rate of $60 per hour.

An agreement with The Reschini Group to provide employer reporting services as required under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was approved. Form submissions will be charged at $6.50 per submission with a minimum $500 charge.

OTHER BUSINESS

A bid for the former Pleasant Township Elementary building was accepted. A total of three bids were received. The high bidder was Rick Ristau with a bid of $27,500. Closing on the sale is required by Nov. 30.

A health and safety plan required under the American Rescue Plan for districts receiving Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds was approved. The plan provides guidelines for in-person instruction based on low, moderate, substantial and high incidences of infection following the COVID-19 pandemic.