The Priority School District Consolidated Grant is a combination of state and federal grants. The purpose of the grant is to provide additional funds for the Stamford Public Schools as well as the qualified non-public schools, charter, neglected and delinquent programs. The Priority School District (PSD) Grant was established to provide the support necessary for school districts with the greatest academic need. Within the context of the need for increased educational equity and excellence, the narrative explanation of the legislative proposal stated: “Although it is impossible to measure all outcomes of schooling, student achievement is viewed by many to be the critical determinant of the success of an educational program. Certain elements can enhance a district’s educational program and thereby contribute to the improvement of student achievement. The purpose of this grant is to allocate additional resources to districts needing assistance to allow them to include these elements in their educational programs.”

The following state grants are included in the Consolidated Application:  

• Priority School District Grant (PSD) 
• Extended School Hours Grant (ESH)
• School Accountability Summer School Grant  

The following federal grants are included in the Consolidated Application: 

• Title I, Part A Improving Basic Programs Operated By Local Educational Agencies
• Title II, Part A Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting
• Title III English language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic

The educational Performance Goals drive the Consolidated Application process and funding requests. These are: 

• By 2013-2014, all students will reach high standards at a minimum attaining proficiency or better in reading/language arts/ and mathematics.
• All limited English proficient students will become proficient in English and reach high academic standards, at a minimum attaining proficiency or better in reading/language arts and mathematics.
• By 2005-2006, all students will be taught by highly qualified teachers.
• All students will graduate from high school.