Salem School District accepts $370,852.57 in Title I funding for FY26

The Salem School Board on June 17 authorized acceptance and expenditure of a Title I allocation of $370,852.57 for fiscal year 2026, an increase of $143,002.45 from the prior year’s allocation, administration said.

Superintendent Mara Palmer said the grant amount is determined by the district’s free‑and‑reduced‑price lunch counts as of Oct. 1 and subject to federal allocations. The money is intended for Title I programming; Director of Literacy (Basidlow) and other specialists will work with administration to identify priorities. Palmer said options being considered include expanded reading and math supports and additional parent information sessions, and that administrators will analyze program needs before proposing a final expenditure plan.

Board member Kelly Moss asked whether participation shifts at particular schools had contributed to the increase; administration said there were no dramatic school‑level changes and that the allocation rise is an overall district change. Board member Bernard Campbell warned that if the allocation falls in future years, enhancements funded by this increase may need to be adjusted or covered by general funds.

Board Member Campbell moved to accept and authorize expenditure of the Title I allocation of $370,852.57; the motion was seconded by Board Member Kelly Moss and passed 5–0.

Administration said staff will return with program-level plans and potential uses as decisions are finalized.