Henry County to apply for Title I–IV federal grants; Title I about $2.5 million

Lisa Milner, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, told the school board on May 20 that the district will apply for federal Title I, II, III and IV funds for the 2025–26 year after completing a needs assessment and reviewing last year’s data.

Milner said Title I provides supplemental funding for elementary schools and supports reading specialists, instructional coaches, instructional paraprofessionals and a portion of clerical staff and benefits; she reported that the division receives "approximately $2,500,000 in that grant area." She emphasized Title I funds are "used to supplement, not supplant" and listed required parent-involvement set‑asides and supports for students experiencing homelessness.

Milner said the district expects about $322,000 in Title II funding to support hiring, retention and professional development, including tuition reimbursement, recruitment (job fairs and billboards) and the division’s "grow your own" teacher preparation efforts. She said Title III funds, about $50,000, will support English language learner (EL) services, family engagement and translators; the division has hired additional part-time translators and a Hispanic community engagement liaison.

On Title IV, Milner said the funds cover a broad range of student-support activities under the student-support and academic-enrichment umbrella: technology, safety, well‑rounded educational opportunities and staff support. She cited uses such as AP testing fees, auditorium curtain upgrades, robotics team stipends and technology conference attendance.

Milner reminded the board that the grant presentation had been shared at a board grants work session a few weeks earlier and asked if members had follow-up questions before staff submitted applications in June. No board action was required for the informational presentation.

Ending: Milner said staff will submit grant applications in June following internal review; board members asked staff to monitor any federal funding changes and confirmed central office staff would return with further clarifications if needed.