District outlines Title I and federal-program supports, family resource center and stakeholder input deadline

Ashley McCool, the district’s executive director of federal programs, and Michelle Michael, the parent family engagement coordinator, used the meeting to explain how federal funds (Title I, II, III, IV and V) supplement state and local dollars to provide tutors, supplies, professional development and wraparound services.

"Those are appropriated dollars that come from the federal government through the state to our school districts based on the needs of our students, and we in Putnam County are very fortunate that we receive a good amount of federal funding," McCool said. She invited parents to stakeholder consultation meetings and to complete needs-assessment surveys that guide grant planning.

Michael described a Family Resource Center at Cielo District Center that provides school supplies, tutoring materials and preparatory resources such as SAT/ACT supports and said the district uses a Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) to inform school improvement plans and budgeting for Title I funds. She reminded families the annual Title I parent survey ends Friday, April 3, and that schools are running participation competitions; materials and forms are available in English and Spanish.

McCool also described Title I C (migrant education) contacts and Title III ELL supports and said Title II funds pay for teacher professional development. The district encouraged families to return stakeholder input forms to Michelle Michael at the meeting or to email feedback to info@my.putnamschools.org; Spanish responses will be translated.

No formal action was taken during the meeting; the session served to collect feedback and explain programs that support students and families.