RENO, Nev. (AP) — Washoe County school officials say a $9.7 million grant will help improve math and science programs at nine schools in the district.

The grant from the U.S. Department of Education was announced Thursday.

According to the Reno Gazette-Journal, (http://on.rgj.com/Sr00Se ), the money will go to professional development and training for teachers. That effort will include a partnership with the education and engineering programs at the University of Nevada, Reno.

School district officials say the grant funding will be distributed over two years and could be reauthorized for an additional $25 million if approved by Congress.

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Information from: Reno Gazette-Journal, http://www.rgj.com