Norwich – The state Department of Education approved partial funding of the city school district's $2.3 million Alliance District grant to pay for staffing needed to start the school year, Superintendent Abby Dolliver said.

The partial funding release was necessary, because the state has not yet approved the school system's Alliance District plan for the school year that starts next week.

Dolliver said she requested $360,000 to be released will cover funding for eight teachers, one literacy specialist and four classroom instructional specialists who work with struggling students.

Dolliver credited state Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, whose district includes Norwich with assisting in obtaining approval for the partial release.

The Board of Education will hold a special meeting next Tuesday to review a draft of the Alliance District plan and make final budget decisions for the school year that starts Aug. 28.