Superintendent: district poverty index jumps to 66.95%; staff note program and donor supports

Superintendent Hoyer told the Great Falls Public Schools board on Jan. 12 that the district's poverty index has risen markedly, reporting the most recent figure at 66.95% and explaining how the index factors into Title I allocations.

"About a week and a half ago, he got another number, another update, and that's at 66.95%," Hoyer said, describing the district's updated poverty index and noting it is one component of the federal Title I allocation formula, which also accounts for counts of homeless students, neglected and delinquent youth, and students served through community eligibility programs.

Hoyer framed the rise as part of a shifting community picture since COVID and emphasized district staff and teachers continue to support student achievement amid higher levels of need. She said the board will overlay poverty-index data onto strategic-plan updates to better show how student achievement and behavior trends relate to changing needs.

Hoyer also acknowledged recent community support and foundation work: Stephanie Becker of the district foundation presented the foundation's redesigned 2024'25 annual report and offered printed copies for community distribution. Hoyer thanked donors who contributed food, freezers and furniture, and noted a printing company donated 32 pallets of paper.

Financially, Mr. Deakins updated trustees on innovative tax-credit fundraising: he said 33 donors had committed roughly $688,000 to the district's 2026 innovative tax-credit pool and warned donors that the statewide allocation often is claimed quickly; staff will prioritize timely submissions through the Jan. 21 deadline.

The superintendent closed by thanking educators and community partners and said trustees would receive additional data at upcoming meetings as the district updates its strategic-plan metrics.