CMCSS staff preview consolidated entitlement grant; district to manage allocations for residential treatment facility

Lori Russell, the CMCSS director of federal programs, on a study‑session night gave a first reading overview of the district’s consolidated entitlement grant application for fiscal year 2025–26 and explained how the funds will be managed for participating schools, including an allocation for Oakland’s Academy.

Russell told the board the grant package includes seven funding sources shown in the board packet and a table that lists each source, the number of participating schools and the initial allocations for the 2025–26 school year. She said the funds support instruction, equity efforts and services for diverse student groups across the district.

Russell also addressed a board member’s question about Oakland’s Academy, clarifying that although the facility’s address is in Ashland City, it lies within Montgomery County and is considered part of CMCSS. "Oakland’s Academy… is a residential treatment facility serving students with emotional and behavioral needs," Russell said, and the district will manage the allocation on behalf of the facility: "They have those funds to spend, but they don't get them — they remain here with the school system, and we facilitate the purchases and use of the money."

No formal action was taken; the presentation was informational and will be included in the grant submission materials as the board reviews the consolidated entitlement application.

Context and next steps

Russell said the district’s packet contains more detailed slides and the table of allocations. Board members were invited to review the packet and raise questions during subsequent meetings; the presentation was acknowledged as a first reading of the grant application and not a final approval vote.