Superintendent Dr. Mark Holodick: "We need to be very much focused on a standards-based approach to ensure that what the students are being assessed upon is what we're actually teaching."

To get there, Holodick says there will be an intense focus on professional development for teachers and staff.

Holodick: "Providing them with new categories to reach all learners; providing additional time for teachers to collaborate is a key aspect of this grant. We recognize that teachers need time to work within their departments. They need time to review data and use that data to then drive instruction."

Holodick says Mount students are also under-performing in math, and they're looking to bring up the numbers.

Holodick: "Some math coaches that will be coming into the building as well as an additional math teacher to address those students who are struggling in mathematics."

They're also hiring an additional counselor to look at the social, emotional and health needs that can sometimes get in the way of a student's success.

Seaford School District was the second district in Delaware to receive the grant.