Nine Washington school districts – Seattle, Tacoma, Marysville, Yakima, Wellpinit, Sunnyside, Highline, Grandview and Longview – met federal criteria to receive grants meant to improve student performance. The grants, valued at an average of $17 million each, are given to “consistently lowest achieving,” or Tier III schools.

The schools receiving funding will work with the Office of Superintendent for Public Instruction to determine how the funds will be best utilized. Those districts receiving funding were required to apply for assistance.