District sees higher Title I allocation but warns of federal uncertainty; free meals expanded under CEP

Superintendent Kim Kelson presented a federal funding update, flagging both positive and concerning shifts in federal program allocations. She said preliminary figures showed Title I funding came in higher than the district's conservative budget estimate, while Title II (teacher professional development) and some Title III funds were reduced or eliminated, creating programmatic and staffing funding pressures.

"Last year in title 1, we budgeted, 558,000 and spent that," Kelson said, explaining the district's cautious approach to estimating federal funds for the coming year. She added that the district trimmed Title II in its proposal and would have to find alternative supports for professional development.

Kelson also described the district's move into the Community Eligibility Program (CEP), allowing all students in qualifying sites to receive free meals with no additional district cost. "We've already served 8,142 meals this year during the summer," Kelson reported; another staff speaker updated that the count was roughly 8,700 "as of today."

The superintendent warned of uncertainty around Medicaid reimbursements and federal processing delays, noting the district historically relied on roughly $350,000 from Medicaid reimbursements but budgeted conservatively given federal-level changes and slower processing times.

Board members discussed practical implications: how to document eligible services for reimbursement and how the district can adjust to lower or uncertain federal streams while protecting instructional supports and staff development.