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Liberty Hill ISD outlines use of federal and state grants and warns of funding cuts
Summary
District staff outlined how Title I–IV, IDEA‑B and Perkins funds were spent this year — from interventionists to mental‑health supplements — and warned trustees that several federal programs face cuts next year. Board members pressed for clarity on percentages, carryover and 'supplement not supplant' rules.
Interim superintendent Mister Motall and federal‑programs presenters Missus De La Hussey and Mister Washburn told the Liberty Hill ISD Board that the district is complying with federal and state requirements for Title I–IV, IDEA‑B and Perkins funds and invited stakeholder input on next year’s allocations. The presenters said the district uses Title I to support economically disadvantaged students primarily at Noble Elementary School and Liberty Hill Elementary School, funds Title II for professional learning and early‑education supports, Title III for English learners and newcomer services, and Title IV to supplement mental‑health services on campuses.
Why it matters: The presentation framed the district’s federal dollars as targeted supplements to core programs, not replacements for general‑fund spending — a legally required distinction trustees emphasized when asking whether grant dollars can cause local staffing shifts. Missus De La Hussey said the district conducts a collaborative needs assessment each year and posts the hearing materials and a feedback form online so the public can comment.
Details: De La Hussey noted that federal funds have specific campus eligibility and typical uses: interventionists during the school day, supplemental professional development and career‑tech equipment under Perkins. On Title IV she said funds are used to “supplement resources in the area of mental health” at campuses with greater need. In response to trustee questions about the charts on slides 8 and 9, staff confirmed the figures shown are percentages, not raw student counts. When asked whether the district ever spends more than an allocation, staff said they generally spend within the award and use carryover when necessary; any overages are paid from the general fund and tracked in budget discussions.
Tensions and outlook: Trustee Miss Guerrero reminded the board that federal formula funding can decline; she said Liberty Hill ISD has experienced cuts over the past two years, including in Title I formula funding, and noted uncertainty about how a pending federal reorganization will change allocations for 2026–27. Board members asked for more granular reporting, including how carryover is handled and which positions are grant‑funded versus supported by the general fund.
Next steps: The presentation materials will be posted on the district website with a linked feedback form, and staff said they will return with clarified figures if trustees request additional breakdowns of carryover, program‑specific staff funded by grants and projected 2026‑27 impacts.
