School districts in the region are poised to receive an additional $1.7 million from the state in the form of Ready to Learn grants.

These grants can be spent on various initiatives, such as early literacy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education.

For example, according to estimates from the state Department of Education, Butler should expect to receive $465,045 more, Seneca Valley, $281,108 more, and Slippery Rock, $126,344 more this school year than last school year.

The Ready to Learn grants make up 1 percent to 2 percent of school district budgets. They replace Accountability grants from last year.

State Sen. Don White, R-41st, said House Bill 2328 played a large role in the funding increase for public schools.

“This was a very difficult budget year as we faced lackluster revenues and steep increases in pension and service costs,” White said in a prepared statement. “Despite that, I am pleased we were able to provide additional funding for local school districts.

“Special education funding had not been increased for several years and the Ready to Learn program provides some flexibility for school districts to invest the state money in areas that show demonstrated positive results in helping students to succeed.”

Schools can use the Ready to Learn funding for such programs as curriculum alignment for pre-kindergarten to grade 3 students, extended learning opportunities for supplemental and customized student instruction for pre-kindergarten to grade 3, early literacy training, supplemental instruction in biology, English language arts and algebra I, and STEM education.

The state budget also provides $1.05 billion for special education, an increase of $20 million statewide. It’s the first special education funding increase in six years.