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Catawba County Schools board approves Title I–IV plan pending final allocations
Summary
The board voted unanimously July 28 to approve the district—s 2025'026 comprehensive continuous improvement plan for federal programs (Title I'IV), pending confirmation of final funds. Administrators said Title I cuts tied to charter school counts reduced planning allotments by roughly $276,000; Title II and III saw smaller cuts.
The Catawba County Board of Education voted July 28 to approve the district—s 2025'026 comprehensive continuous improvement plan and assurances for federal Title I, II, III and IV programs, pending final funding figures once the state releases allocations.
District staff presented the plan after administrators reported late notice that the U.S. Department of Education would release the withheld funds. Superintendent Dr. Stover told the board the release would reduce the district—s need to tap fund balance to support programs.
Mister J.R. Sigman walked the board through the Title allocations and how the district uses each pot of money. He said the district—s planning allotment for Title I was reduced in part because the state—s allocation was spread across a larger number of charter schools this year, producing an approximate $276,000 shortfall in the planning figure. Title II dropped by about $85,600, Title III by about $8,500, and Title IV rose by nearly $5,000 in the planning numbers the presenter reviewed with the board.
"Title I funds are spent primarily on people," Sigman said, explaining the money typically funds additional teachers, academic facilitators and part-time tutors. He also said the district must reserve a portion of Title funds for required uses such as homeless student transportation and parent-engagement activities, and that private schools in the district may elect to receive an equitable-share portion; Tree of Life is participating this year.
Board members asked whether the planned services and staffing would be affected. Sigman said principals had prepared contingency plans and that, because the federal release appeared imminent, the district was not asking the board to use fund balance to cover those needs at this time.
After discussion, a board member moved to approve the plan "as presented." The board voted to approve the comprehensive plan and assurances unanimously among those present; administrators said final dollar figures would be shared as they arrive from the state.
What's next: District administrators will confirm the final allotments once the state posts the funding, then report back to the board with the precise figures and any necessary technical adjustments to spending plans.
