District says Title I allocation is about $5.6 million; trustees hear rules for private‑school shares

Shalanda Robinson, director of business services and federal programs, told the Gary Community School Corporation board on Dec. 18 that the district’s Title I allocation for 2025–26 is about $5,600,000 and reviewed how the funds must be used.

Robinson explained Title I is a reimbursable federal program intended to provide supplemental instruction and services to disadvantaged students and that funds must be requested through an annual state application. She said the district’s allocation is based on the previous year’s Oct. 1 student count and that a portion must be set aside for eligible private schools within district boundaries.

Trustees pressed for details on how Title I funds can be spent. Robinson said the funds may be used for supplemental supports — for example, tutoring, summer school, professional development and services for students experiencing homelessness — but cannot supplant services the district already provides. When asked whether a science lab could be paid for with Title I money, Robinson explained the program cannot fund basic instructional resources the district is already required to provide; it may fund supplemental lab supports if those are additional to the district’s baseline services and are approved in the state application.

Board members also asked whether the state had cut Title I allocations. Robinson said there were no cuts to the district’s current allocation at the time of the meeting but cautioned that future adjustments were possible given broader funding pressures.

The board moved to record approval for Title I support per the agenda. Minutes indicate the discussion will be reflected in the district’s annual Title I application and budget submissions to the state.