Dinwiddie school board approves $1.17 million consolidated federal grant, adds reading staff and supports Midway Elementary

The Dinwiddie County School Board on Monday approved the division's 2025 consolidated application for Title I, II, III and IV federal grants, a package school staff said totals $1,167,357.25 and funds new reading positions, family-engagement work and the addition of Midway Elementary as a Title I school.

“Title I part A . . . provides grant funds that helps to ensure that all students have a fair and equal opportunity to succeed academically,” said Miss Valentine, coordinator for the Title I grant, during a presentation to the board. She outlined planned uses including supplemental reading positions, a behavioral specialist, a Title I lead literacy interventionist, family- and community-engagement staffing and tutors for English learners.

The nut graf: The consolidated application covers allowable activities under federal programs the division administers each year; board approval clears the package for submission to the Virginia Department of Education. Staff emphasized the funds will be targeted to schools showing the greatest academic need and to required set‑asides such as services for homeless students.

Staff said planned Title I uses include adding Midway Elementary to the Title I roster based on Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and academic data, six supplemental reading positions (three reading interventionists and three reading specialists in addition to five locally funded reading specialists), a behavioral specialist and a family and community engagement specialist. Title II funds are earmarked for professional development, conference attendance, teacher mentor stipends, and tuition/assessment support tied to licensure. Title IV funding will support secondary science coaching through a contracted provider, dual‑enrollment access and digital citizenship work. Title III — for English learners — was described as a smaller award (staff said the upcoming Title III proposal is for a little more than $14,000) to buy instructional materials, PD and part‑time secondary EL tutoring.

The application also includes equitable services for private schools. Staff said Learning to Lead Education Center will receive $1,751.69 for services under Titles I, II and IV based on the number of private school students served.

Board member process and outcome: A board member moved to approve the consolidated grant; the motion was seconded and the board voted to approve the application. The board did not record a roll‑call vote in the public transcript; the clerk announced the motion carried.

What this means: With board approval staff may finalize the application and submit it to the Virginia Department of Education before the July deadline. Several presenters told the board the application had been reviewed multiple times and remained subject to minor edits before submission.

Staff and speakers: Miss Valentine (Title I coordinator) led the Title I presentation. Other coordinators presented Title II, Title III and Title IV sections; school staff noted the application had been reviewed by the division team and would be submitted to the state.