The McDowell County Board of Education unanimously approved the 2025–26 federal programs allotments and plan, district officials said. Federal funds will support supplemental staffing and services across the district, with Title I remaining the largest single program.

Federal programs director Miss Hamby presented the budget packet: Title I allotments total a little over $1.7 million and will provide supplemental staffing, supplies, professional development and parent- and family-engagement work at eligible elementary schools; districtwide Title I initiatives are also listed in the packet. Officials said that the Title I elementary-school allocations translate to approximately $950 per identified student.

Title II funds for teacher and leader development were listed at about $236,000 (down from about $287,000 the prior year), and Title III for English learners was $44,624. The district set aside $45,000 for McKinney-Vento (homeless student) services and listed a Title IV allotment of $131,550. Officials said RLIS funds had not been announced and the district was using carryover where needed to ensure programs operate if those funds do not materialize.

Superintendent Dr. Gritt publicly praised Miss Hamby’s management of federal funds, saying the district’s carryover strategy—maintaining reserves—left the district in a stable position despite uncertainty during federal funding announcements. Board member Mister Suttles moved to approve the plan; the motion was seconded and the board voted unanimously to adopt the 2025–26 federal programs budget.