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Ralston officials: $2.7 million in grants support instruction, but federal policy shifts could reduce funding
Summary
District staff told the board federal grants total about $2.7 million (roughly 5% of the operating budget) and support Title I reading specialists, IDEA personnel, preschool services and CTE programs. Administrators warned that SNAP eligibility changes and other federal policy shifts could lower poverty measures and reduce Title allocations next
District staff reported to trustees that grants awarded to Ralston total roughly $2.7 million and represent about 5% of the district’s operating budget. The funds support core instructional services, including Title I reading specialists, Title IV instructional supports, IDEA special‑education staffing, preschool early‑learning services and Perkins career‑technical education programs.
Staff emphasized that although the overall percentage of the operating budget is modest, the grant dollars are concentrated on high‑need students and critical staff positions. For example, Title I funds are used for intervention specialists and software (IXL, FastBridge) that help identify and support students with learning needs; IDEA covers a substantial share of special‑education salaries and services.
Administrators cautioned that changes in federal policy and benefit eligibility — specifically SNAP eligibility rules — could reduce poverty counts used in state and federal grant formulas, potentially lowering allocations next year. The district said it will continue to monitor federal changes, communicate impacts to state representatives and consider advocacy at the state level to protect students and services.
Other grants reported included McKinney‑Vento homelessness funds (primarily used for transportation), NDEQ recycling grants for playground surfacing, summer‑food reimbursements, and local learning‑community grants. Staff noted grants vary in administrative burden and are pursued selectively when documentation and reporting requirements are proportionate to likely benefit.
