Parma district reports multiple federal grants not yet allocated for FY2026, threatening programs
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Summary
At the July 17 board meeting district staff reported that several federal grant allocations for fiscal year 2026 — including Title II-A, Title III and parts of IDEA funding — were not yet allocated, forcing possible cuts to teacher professional development and services for students with disabilities.
At the Parma City School District Board of Education meeting on July 17, a district finance staff member said several federal grants that support instruction and student services had not been allocated for fiscal year 2026, signaling potential program reductions.
District staff said Title I (math and reading) had an allocation of $3,800,000 for the prior year, but Title II-A — used for teacher professional development — showed an allocation of $627,000 in the previous year and “0” for FY2026. Staff reported the district likewise had no allocation yet for Title III (English-language learners) after receiving about $183,000 last year and for Title IV (student supports and social-emotional programs), which was about $424,000 last year. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) allocation, crucial to special education services, was $4,300,000 last year and was reported as not allocated for FY2026. The district did receive $263,000 for the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education grant this year.
The staff member summarized the immediate consequence: “This is the first year they said, schools are not getting it,” and added that without Title II-A funds, “we have to figure that out” for professional development. The presenter said the district will either cut other areas or forgo the professional development supported by Title II-A funds.
Why it matters: Title funds and IDEA money underwrite classroom supports, teacher training, and services for English learners and students with disabilities. The loss or delay of those allocations could require program reductions or reallocation of local funds.
District staff said three specific grants — Title II-A, Title III and Title IV for FY2026 — were listed as not allocated in the federal release the district received. Staff urged the board that this is an evolving situation and that the district will monitor further state and federal guidance.
The board did not take immediate action on the grant status during the meeting; staff indicated they will continue to report updates to the board as allocations or guidance change.
