Henrico schools project just over $15 million in federal grants for 2026–27, Title I to support 22 elementary schools

Henrico County Public Schools staff told the school board on June 11 that the division is projecting just over $15 million in federal grant funding for the 2026–27 school year.

Tina Alap, who presented the annual grant overview, said Title I is the division's largest federal grant with a projected allocation of about $12 million that will support 22 elementary schools. "At its core, this funding strengthens support around students through literacy and math instructional coaches, support for students experiencing homelessness, and stronger family engagement," Alap said.

Alap outlined other projected allocations: Title II Part A at roughly $1.5 million to support teaching and leadership; Title III Part A at about $664,000 with additional immigrant-youth funding expected this fall; and Title IV Part A at just under $800,000 to support well-rounded education and school conditions. She also described a proposed McKinney–Vento subgrant of $150,000 annually for a three-year subgrant (2026–29) to sustain and expand supports for students experiencing homelessness, including transportation stability and basic-needs assistance.

Board members pressed for clarity about a perceived drop in McKinney–Vento funding compared with prior cycles. "Last grant cycle we started with exactly $450,000," Alap said, adding that the state sometimes grants additional funds during a grant cycle and that the prior three-year total reached $700,000 after those supplements. She said the current projection reflects the federal allocation and that the state may provide supplementary funding later.

Alap emphasized that final grant allocations will be confirmed in September and said the division will return to the board seeking formal approval of federal grant funding at the monthly meeting. No formal votes on grant acceptance were recorded at the work session.

Board members asked staff to follow up with specifics about how transient-lodging taxes can affect families who rely on motels while experiencing homelessness. Alap said McKinney–Vento funds cannot be used to pay for hotel stays but staff coordinate with county partners and other funding sources and will report back with details.

What happens next: Division staff will finalize allocations in September and present grant acceptance and required assurances for board action at an upcoming meeting.