Wake County updates Title I funding and programming for 2025-2026 school year

During the recent Student Achievement Committee meeting held by Wake County Schools, key discussions centered around Title I programming, which plays a crucial role in supporting economically disadvantaged students. The meeting featured presentations from Dr. Burton, Dr. Papalow, and Dr. Shanika Moore Brown, who provided updates on funding structures, program adjustments, and the implications of recent changes for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.

Dr. Burton emphasized the importance of Title I funding, which is designed to close the achievement gap for students in need. This federal program, governed by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), allocates resources to schools based on metrics such as direct certification, which assesses income-based eligibility for families. The committee discussed how this funding is not merely about financial support but is integral to enhancing educational outcomes across the district.

A significant change highlighted during the meeting was the adjustment of eligibility thresholds for Title I funding. For the 2025-2026 school year, high schools will require a direct certification rate of at least 75% to qualify for Title I support, an increase from the previous 49%. This shift aims to balance the overall Title I budget while ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed.

Currently, Wake County serves 65 Title I eligible schools, all operating under a school-wide model, which allows funds to benefit all students rather than targeting specific individuals. However, the anticipated reduction to 58 schools for the next school year raises concerns about the potential impact on student services and support.

The committee also reviewed the overall operating budget for Title I, which exceeds $32.9 million, with over 80% allocated directly to student services. This includes significant investments in early childhood programs, underscoring the district's commitment to supporting students from a young age.

As the meeting concluded, the committee acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly the need to balance funding while continuing to serve a growing number of schools. The discussions underscored the critical role of Title I funding in fostering educational equity and the ongoing efforts to adapt to changing needs within the community. The board will receive a full evaluation of Title I programming in the coming weeks, which will provide further insights into the effectiveness of these initiatives and their impact on student achievement.