District outlines federal Title funding, refugee and literacy grants for 2025–26

The Melville School District presented its consolidated federal-programs dashboard for 2025–26, outlining how Title I, II, III and IV funds and several competitive grants will be allocated. Doctor Laurie Tredder Larkin, director of fine arts and federal grants, told the board Title I pays for reading teachers and paraprofessionals in identified schools, Title II supports instructional coaching and professional development, Title III supports English‑learner coaching and family engagement, and Title IV supports well‑rounded education, safe-and-healthy initiatives and technology.

Tredder Larkin said the district’s census poverty percentage declined from 7.18% to 6.44% in the most recent data, which affects federal allocations. She described the Refugee School Impact Grant and an Afghan supplemental program to support newcomer students and their families, a Feminine Hygiene Product Grant to supply free products, and a comprehensive literacy state-development grant awarded to Beasley Elementary that is expected to continue for four years. A board member asked about the annual amount for the literacy grant and the presenter confirmed the grant is anticipated to provide approximately $45,000 per year during the multi-year award.

The presentation included that Title I schools receive funding for 8.5 reading teachers and eight part-time paraprofessionals and that some nonpublic students in district attendance areas receive equitable services under federal rules. The board heard that Title IV expenditures must meet percentage set-aside requirements (at least 20% for safe/healthy schools and 20% for well-rounded programs, and not more than 15% reserved for technology) and that the district plans community learning events on topics including technology and AI. No votes were taken on funding reallocations that evening; the presentation was informational.