Board approves University Instructors LLC contract to provide Title I equitable services for students enrolled at Winston-Salem Christian School

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education approved a contract with University Instructors LLC to provide Title I equitable services for eligible students enrolled at Winston-Salem Christian School. The vote passed in open session 6-3.

District staff explained that federal Title I law requires local education agencies to provide equitable services to eligible children who attend private schools within the district's boundaries. Under this arrangement, Title I funds follow the child to the private placement and the district contracts to provide the required services. Assistant staff explained that if the board declined to approve the contract, the district would risk noncompliance with federal requirements and potential liabilities, so staff recommended approval.

Board members discussed the legal necessity of the contract and the mechanics of funding when students move between districts or return to district schools midyear. Superintendent Tricia McManus and staff said the district must route Title I funds to private-school services when required by federal law; staff noted the funds and services are tracked by fiscal year and do not automatically revert if a child returns midyear.

Ending: The contract was approved to ensure the district meets its equitable-services obligation under federal Title I rules; staff said the district will continue to track services and reimbursements and incorporate the expense into district fiscal reporting.