School board approves Title I–IV federal grants; staff to sign and submit for state review

The Winchester Public School Board unanimously approved federal grant applications for Title I, II, III and IV at its May 27 meeting and authorized the chair to sign the documents for state review.

Miss Buckley, who presented the grants, told the board the applications cover staffing for interventions, professional development and family outreach. "I gave you the total amount at the top. I just wanna make sure you understand that that amount is what we are projected to receive," she said, noting state-approved amounts frequently change and the division often amends budgets during the school year.

Buckley outlined program uses: Title I funds largely support instructional staff, intervention teachers, reading specialists, multi-classroom leaders and portions of some supervisory salaries; Title II and transferred Title IV dollars pay for professional development, an MTSS/PBIS coach, an equity and family empowerment coordinator and a data analyst; Title III covers English learner supports including parent liaisons, after-school remediation and curriculum platforms. Buckley said Title I typically directs about 85% of its funds to instructional support.

Board members asked clarifying questions during the presentation. The board then moved to approve the grants. "Motion by Miss Barrow. Second by Mr. Ireland. All in favor? Aye," the chair said; the motion passed.

Buckley said the grants must be submitted promptly because the state approves applications in the order received and the division sometimes must make state-requested revisions. She also described program outcomes linked to prior grant-funded work, including PBIS implementation and movement of students through MTSS tiers.

The board did not vote on any budget amendments at the meeting; Buckley said staff will return with any required revisions once final state awards are confirmed.