School District 55
$13.5 Million Grant Awarded to Laurens County School District 55
[Laurens], [SC] - Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) is thrilled to announce being awarded the Teacher
Incentive Fund grant by the US Department of Education with over $3.3 million in year one and $13.5 million
expected over three years.
LCSD 55 Superintendent Dr. Ameca C. Thomas partnered with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching
(NIET) to apply for this grant this summer of 2023. Dr. Thomas traveled to Washington, DC, and informed
legislators of the positive impact the grant will have on students in Laurens 55. The grant aims to increase teacher
and principal effectiveness and will be used to create a performance-based compensation system for teachers
and principals.
Dr. Thomas worked diligently with NIET to create a quality proposal to implement the Laurens Educators
Achieving Results to Net Success (LEARNS) Project and the Teacher and Student Advancement (TAP) System in
Laurens County School District 55.
“Increasing our support for teachers and leaders is a critical foundation on which to build a world-class educational
experience,” said Dr. Barnett, NIET CEO. “Through this federal grant award, we are excited to expand our
partnership with Laurens County School District 55 on LEARNS to put in place more effective staffing structures
and increase the quality of classroom teaching and learning.”
TAP was created by Lowell Milken, NIET Chairman and Founder, as a comprehensive approach to establishing
sustained structures for building educator excellence and increasing student achievement growth. Research
shows that every dollar spent by the government when implementing the TAP System has a tremendous positive
impact on the school district and the community. Research shows a 14 to 1 return on investment combining the
benefits of increased graduation results and reduced felony offenses by school districts implementing the TAP
System.
Dr. Thomas expressed her joy in being awarded the grant. “Being selected for this highly competitive federal
innovation grant is an honor. These resources will better equip our leaders to guide, coach, and empower
teachers while keeping student achievement front and center. As superintendent of Laurens County School
District 55, I am thrilled and grateful for the incredible opportunity we have received with the Teacher and School
Leader Incentive Program (TSL) grant. This grant will not only enable us to further enhance the quality of
education in our district but also recognize and reward our dedicated educators who work tirelessly to inspire and
empower our students,” said Dr. Thomas.
Dr. Thomas also expressed gratitude and said, “I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all the administrators and
community leaders who took the time to write letters of support. Your unwavering commitment to our students and
belief in our mission are truly commendable. Your dedication and belief in our mission have helped secure this
tremendous opportunity. Together, we will continue to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of our
students and the future of our community.”
LCSD 55 will hold a Press Conference on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at the District Office
located at 301 Hillcrest Drive, Laurens, SC 29360. LCSD 55 invites the press to attend to learn more about the
grant and the plans to implement the Laurens Educators Achieving Results to Net Success (LEARNS) Project.
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