The Poplarville School Board approved a number of grant applications designed to build student achievement during Monday’s meeting.
Konya Miller is the federal programs coordinator for the district and writes grant applications each year.
“These programs are federally funded,” Miller said. “Each year the government disburses funding for the state to manage.”
Miller said the schools take a hard look at achievement levels and test scores, with their main focus on Language Arts.
The board approved the $37,000 fiscal year 2014 Title VI application to hire a social worker and to reapprove the 2015 consolidated federal programs application in the amount of $650,000.
Miller said the grants are based on poverty rates.
The funds are used for a variety of programs including computers, interventions and teacher and principal quality.
“Without these funds, we wouldn’t have the resources to make gains for our students whether it be academically or socially,” Miller said.

In other matters the board approved:
• The Mississippi community oriented policing services in schools grant. These funds provide for supplies and materials needed for the school’s resource officer.
The next school board meeting will be held on Monday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. at their office on Julia Street.