Lockland Local School District has been awarded a $1 million Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Grant, a competitive state grant designed to improve literacy instruction and achievement across all grade levels. The funding, distributed over the next four years, will empower the district to implement high-impact literacy practices, expand educator training, and strengthen partnerships with families and the community.
“This is a significant milestone for Lockland,” explained Elizabeth Fessel, Director of Student Services for Lockland Schools. “It reflects the dedication of our educators and the district’s shared commitment to literacy and student success. We are incredibly proud to be selected as a CLSD grant recipient and excited to begin this transformational work.”
Superintendent Bob Longworth said this $1 million grant award will create many opportunities for our staff to hone their craft in teaching reading over the next four years.
“Most importantly, it provides us with the tools and resources that we need to continue our literacy efforts needed to ensure that every boy and girl that we serve gets what they need to be successful in life,” he added. “It is truly a GREAT day to be a Panther!”
The CLSD grant supports evidence-based literacy instruction aligned with Ohio’s policies for effective literacy learning. Lockland’s grant will:
Strengthen implementation of the core K-12 curriculum and interventions, with an emphasis on building a more robust Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for students in grades 7-12.
Support the launch of a district-wide literacy coaching model, led by newly hired Marcy Berns, a highly accomplished literacy leader with expertise in the Science of Reading and extensive experience in teacher leadership and intervention.
Expand professional development for teachers, including content-area literacy strategies and writing instruction across all disciplines.
Develop peer literacy coaches who will serve as embedded instructional leaders and collaborators in their grade levels to build capacity within the district.
Family, Community Partnerships
Recognizing that literacy extends beyond the classroom, Lockland will also strengthen family engagement and community partnerships. The district plans to:
Establish a tiered family engagement framework developed through two years of professional learning with the state.
Partner with the Metanoia Center in Lockland, which provides after-school tutoring, to align tutoring practices with school-based literacy instruction through training in the Science of Reading.
Expand district literacy initiatives to engage families of middle and high school students, providing tips and strategies to support reading and writing at home.
A Collaborative Effort
The successful grant application was the result of a year-long effort led by district leaders and teachers. Staff members contributed to the development of the district’s Local Literacy Plan, analyzed student achievement data, and provided input on strategies to meet the diverse needs of Lockland students.
“This funding allows us to continue our journey of continuous improvement, ensuring that all students, including those who face learning challenges or are learning English, receive the support they need to become successful readers and writers,” Ms. Fessel said. “We are especially proud of the collaboration that made this possible, with contributions from staff across all grade levels and content areas.”
Looking Ahead
Implementation begins immediately, with districtwide professional development scheduled for fall 2025 and monthly collaborative planning sessions to follow. Family engagement initiatives and community partnerships will expand over time, with visible results expected in years three and four of the grant.
Lockland’s participation in the grant also includes contributing to Ohio’s broader literacy network, sharing lessons learned with other districts, and supporting the state’s goal of improving literacy outcomes for all students.
“We are building a literacy-rich future for Lockland,” Ms. Fessel added. “This work will have a lasting impact on our students, staff, and community for years to come.”