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Federal programs director explains funding streams; warns Title V eligibility dropped but may return
Summary
Federal programs supervisor Justin Whittenberg reviewed district allocations for Titles I, II, III and IV and explained Cumberland lost Title V (rural) funding for the current fiscal year due to a Census-based metric but may regain it based on newer data.
Justin Whittenberg, federal programs supervisor for Cumberland County Schools, briefed the board Jan. 25 on federal grant allocations and compliance requirements, and explained why the district lost Title V rural funding for the current fiscal year.
Whittenberg said the district's FY 2025 entitlements included about $1.99 million in Title I funding; roughly $345,000 in Title II funding (teacher and leader quality); about $21,500 in Title III funds for English learners; and Title IV funds that are typically transferred into Title II to fund instructional coaching. He said the Title II/IV combined funds support districtwide instructional coaches, mentor stipends and professional learning.
He told the board that Title V (rural education) eligibility is determined by a U.S. Census Bureau metric (Small Area Income Poverty Estimate, SAIPE) that runs three years behind; Cumberland fell below the required threshold (19.7% in 2022) and was therefore ineligible for FY 2025 Title V funds. However, Whittenberg said the updated 2023 SAIPE figures suggest Cumberland's rate is above the threshold (about 22.7%), meaning the district is likely to be eligible for FY 2026 Title V allocations.
Whittenberg reiterated the legal principle governing federal funds, supplement-not-supplant, and described the district—s consolidated funding application and compliance tools. He also noted that many ESSER-funded purchases and software implemented during COVID must be reviewed for sustainability as those one-time funds sunset.
Board members asked for clarifications about how direct certification and free/reduced data feed entitlement calculations and how competitive grants (Perkins reserve) were being used for CTE credentialing; Whittenberg said he—d follow up with details as needed.
