Bismarck Public Schools will cover the cost of a remedial reading program.

Read Right works with below-level readers to bring them up to grade level. Grant and federal money was no longer available for the program. The Bismarck School Board approved spending $65,000 from the general fund on the program Monday.

This money will cover an English teacher and aides at each middle school, high school and South Central High School.

"It's one of the most successful programs in the district." assistant superintendent John Salwei said Tuesday.

The program, taken in addition to the student's regular English class, starts at the student's reading level and rebuilds the skills needed to read. The district started the program during the 2005-06 school year.

The program was paid out of an adult education grant, which expired, and Title VIB, a federal program for rural and low income schools.

Additional teaching positions to cover elementary enrollment and textbook purchases were approved Monday, as well. The board considered the equivalent of five new teaching positions and textbooks to replace worn books and new textbooks that are not used in the district.

(Reach reporter Sara Kincaid at 250-8251 or sara.kincaid@;bismarcktribune.com.)