VALLEY GRANDE — The Valley Grande City Council has approved a program that could offer funds to a few area teachers.

During their final meeting in July, the council discussed an idea that would create a series of mini-grants for teachers at Martin Middle School, Valley Grande Elementary School and Dallas County High School.

During Monday’s meeting, the council approved the program, setting an Oct. 1 deadline for those teachers at the three schools to apply for the mini-grants.

The applications must be brought to city hall no later than 4 p.m. on Oct. 1 and the winners will be announced during the council’s meeting on Monday, Oct. 15.

According to council member Libby Ezelle, some details, such as how many winners will be declared, have yet to be finalized.

During the July meeting, members heard an initial idea of the city putting up a total of $1,500 annually for teachers at the three schools to compete for. The hope is to create three, $500 grants that can go to support a proposed project or program.

“The $1,500 amount was just a starting point,” Ezelle said at the July meeting. “As we discuss this further, we might find that more money would be better. This is just to get the idea rolling.”