Norfolk proposes $16.14 million preliminary Title I application; schools to keep level funding

Senior directors presented the preliminary Title I Part A application for school year 2025-26 and told the board the state preliminary allocation was $16,143,116.59 and that proposed school-level budgets are maintained at level funding.

The presentation explained Title I Part A supports supplemental academic and early-learning interventions, including the preschool 3-year-old program, and requires a family engagement set-aside. Staff said 93% of the preliminary funds in the application are allocated directly to school-level supports such as academic interventionists, instructional coaches and family engagement specialists. The application proposes 25 schoolwide Title I schools for 2025-26, a decrease from 26 due to a proposed removal of Ocean View as a Title I school.

The district described the review process: principals and executive directors used a staffing survey and school needs assessments to allocate funds; principals will finalize school spending plans after the district receives the final allocation in the fall. Staff emphasized that Title I school spending is preliminary until the final allocation arrives; the board is expected to vote on the application on June 18, 2025, and staff will submit the signed application to the Virginia Department of Education no later than July 1, 2025.

Board members asked whether staff were confident in the preliminary funding and whether contingency planning was in place if allocations changed; the presenter said the division felt confident about next year's funding but acknowledged planning for contingencies would continue.

No board vote was held; staff will return with the signed application for board approval on the scheduled June 18 meeting.