Talks about the possible merger of two Gainesville elementary schools have ended, and the result is a big change of heart for the school board.

The School Board of Alachua County announced they will withdraw a recommendation to merge Metcalfe and Rawlings elementary schools. The district's current budget troubles led them to consider the school consolidation in an effort to save money, but an unexpected funding source quickly changed that option.

$1.5 million grants were given to three low-performing schools: Hawthorne Middle/High school, Duval Elementary, and Rawlings Elementary. The grants come from stimulus funding and will last for the next three years.

"The pieces that we will see in this giant will be educational reform. Including performance pay, incentives for teachers, different types of staff development" said Sandy Hollinger, SBAC deputy superintendent.

Some students could be moved in the process. The six "Head Start" classes at Prairie View Academy in southeast Gainesville will likely move to Metcalfe Elementary. Officials said they'll also continue to monitor the under enrollment issue there and at other schools.