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In addition to the annual Title I, Part A allocation, Guilford County Schools is projected to receive additional Title I, Part A designated funds as part of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 each year for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. ARRA funding levels for GCS should be confirmed by April 30, 2009. As state and local funds are decreased, Title I, Part A ARRA funds can be used to provide additional resources and services for students in more schools, if they are designated as Title I schools. These supplemental funds could assist with raising achievement levels in more schools.
Lowering Title I thresholds for elementary and middle schools will allow these funds to be distributed among more schools. According to Section 1113 of NCLB, an LEA must serve all of its schools with a poverty rate (Free and Reduced Lunch) above 75%. However, an LEA may designate as eligible any school in which at least 35% of the children are from low-income families.
Under the current Board of Education established thresholds, there are 41 designated Title I Schools for 2008-2009. Below are three possible options for discussion regarding the use of the Title I, Part A ARRA funds for upcoming schools years. Staff members will utilize feedback to create a formal recommendation, which will be presented to the board at the May 12, 2009 meeting.
- Maintain the current thresholds, as established by the Board of Education on March 8, 2005, at 60% for Elementary Schools, 67% for Middle Schools and 75% for High Schools. With these thresholds, there will be 46 Title I schools for 2009-2010.
- Lower the current threshold from 60% for Elementary Schools to 50% and from 67% for Middle Schools to 60% and keep High Schools at 75%. The number of Title I schools would increase to 50 schools for 2009-2010.
- Lower the current threshold from 60% for Elementary Schools to 40% and from 67% for Middle Schools to 50% and keep High Schools at 75%. The number of Title I schools would increase to 65 schools for 2009-2010.
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Option #1
Elementary: 60%
Middle: 67%
High: 75% |
Option #2
Elementary: 50%
Middle: 60%
High: 75% |
Option #3
Elementary: 40%
Middle: 50%
High: 75% |
Elementary |
34 |
36 |
47 |
Middle |
6 |
8 |
12 |
High School |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Special High Schools |
6 |
6 |
6 |
Total |
46 |
50 |
65 |
As the number of Title I schools increase and the accountability for Federal funds tightens, additional Title I personnel are necessary. Staff will continue work to ensure compliance and accountability for the Title I, Part A ARRA funds as outlined by the US Department of Education. The Title I staff will be able to maintain the high quality and promptness of technical assistance to Title I schools as well as address the GCS Strategic Plan. Only Federal funds will be used to support the additional staff.
Attachment #1 - Title I, Part A Reservations (Set Asides) Summary
Attachment #2 - Additional Information for ARRA Proposed Options
Attachment #3 - Title I Free/Reduced Percentages
Attachment #4 - Title I Staffing Plans to Serve GCS Regions
Attachment #5 - 2009-10 and 2010-11 Options and Summary
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