PUTNAM — Putnam Public Schools says it will start its special education grant work at the elementary and middle schools this school year. The $315,000 award is part of $865,000 in grants the district announced in a statement carried by WINY Radio on November 12.
The district says the special education money will go toward improving instruction and services and helping families take a more active role in their children’s education. The announcement did not identify the funder for that award.
The largest grant is $500,000 over three years from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation. Putnam schools will work with the Hale YMCA, TEEG and the town Recreation Department to hear from families and develop activities that connect them with schools and community programs.
A separate $50,000 award through the Rural Mental Health Project will support a five-year effort to review how the district helps students and where services can improve. Putnam already offers school-based behavioral health services through Generations Family Health Center, with in-person and video appointments available during the 2026–27 school year.
The district says families will have opportunities to weigh in as the work develops. Its announcement gave no dates for those sessions.