Henrico staff outline nearly $14 million in projected federal grants for 2025-26

Henrico County Public Schools staff on June 12 presented the division's federal grant applications for the 2025-26 school year, projecting total awards just under $14 million and detailing how those funds would be used to support schools and students.

The presentation, led by Leslie Hughes and Tina Allsup, outlined projections and program uses and noted that final allocations from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) will be confirmed in September. Staff said the grant applications were prepared on a level-funding assumption and that plans exist to adjust if allocations come in higher or lower.

Projected amounts discussed in the presentation included: - Title I: $10,800,000 projected, supporting 20 elementary schools with highest needs and funding literacy and math instructional coaches, early learning preschool staff and resources, McKinney-Vento services, family engagement initiatives, school-based instructional programming, professional learning and summer literacy resources. - Title II, Part A: $1,300,000 projected, focused on improving the quality of teaching and leadership, funding instructional coaches, professional learning, stipends for new teacher development, and university partnerships (including UVA Wise and a George Mason math specialist pipeline). - Title III: just under $600,000 projected, supporting English learners with supplemental instructional assistance, ESL summer school, materials and family engagement (school-based ESL nights, parent English classes). - Title IV, Part A: just over $900,000 projected, supporting well-rounded education, school conditions for learning, technology use, and funds for science instructional coaches, safety and wellness resources, and enrichment programs.

When asked about contingency planning if federal funds were reduced, staff described a "plan A/plan B" approach: applying on level funding (plan A) while the department has developed a detailed understanding of what would be affected if specific grants were reduced or eliminated (plan B). Staff said they work closely with finance and the superintendent and maintain reserves where possible because many federal grants are considered one-year funding.

Board members asked when allocations should be expected. Staff said the VDOE typically notifies divisions around September with final allocations and there was no current information to suggest the process would change.

Staff emphasized that these federally funded programs align with the division's strategic plan and support a range of services from instructional coaches to McKinney-Vento supports, English-learner programming and enrichment. The presentation did not seek board approval of funding, only informational review of the grant applications.