Reading is the foundation for learning, critical thinking, opportunity, and full participation in community life. We center literacy because it unlocks everything else.
The science of reading isn’t a slogan — it’s decades of converging research from cognitive psychology, linguistics, and neuroscience showing how children actually learn to decode, comprehend, and love reading. For the past couple of years, District 95 has been building toward this shift, providing our teachers with LETRS training to deepen their expertise in evidence-based literacy instruction. Now, in partnership with SIU Carbondale, we’re moving from training into practice — actively strengthening how reading is taught in every classroom, every day. This isn’t a pilot program or a passing initiative; it’s a sustained, community-backed commitment to ensuring every child in Carbondale reads proficiently by the end of third grade — because we know that when they do, everything else becomes possible.
Many of our students arrive each morning carrying experiences shaped by poverty, language access, and housing instability. These barriers affect attendance, readiness, confidence, academic growth, and especially literacy. Our families want more for their children — and they have for generations. What’s been missing is a coordinated system that meets families where they are.
A comprehensive approach where academics, well-being, strong families, and enrichment activities are interconnected, rather than separate concerns.
Prioritizing insights from Carbondale’s educators, families, and local organizations, ensuring decisions are community-driven, not externally mandated.
Backed by extensive research, this model has consistently demonstrated significant improvements in student attendance, literacy skills, and active family participation
Now – Aug 2027
Raise $500,000 over the school year to fill Federal funding cuts
Aug 2027 – May 2028
Programs and services run uninterrupted touching all four campuses.
2028 – 2030
Diversify and building funding streams across district, state, and philanthropy to complete implemetation of Full-Service Community School District.
All gifts are processed securely through the Carbondale Education Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is fully tax-deductible as allowed by law.
