The Anacortes School District is getting a $533,000 boost to help get kids ready for school thanks to a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The two-year grant includes funding for curriculum development, teacher training, preschool scholarships and community outreach.

“What’s a real credit to our staff, board and community is they were looking for districts that already were doing good work in early education,” said Superintendent Chris Borgen. “It’s a confirmation we’re doing the right work.”