Title I parents’ advisory committee urges full‑time social workers, stronger family engagement and transparency on Title I allocations

Jessica Strong and Maria, leaders of the Title I Parent Advisory Committee (T‑PAC), presented the committee’s annual report and recommendations, emphasizing literacy work completed over five years and the committee’s focus on equitable conditions for learning in Title I schools.

The committee’s first recommendation was to ensure students in schools receiving Title I services have access to wraparound conditions that support academic success. Specifically, T‑PAC reiterated last year’s ask that every Title I school have a full‑time social worker and a full‑time parent liaison, paired with training so that staff implementing social‑emotional and attendance interventions are using evidence‑based practices.

T‑PAC’s second recommendation called for meaningful, two‑way family engagement beyond standard outreach: interactive meetings, accessible explanations of assessment results, and supports that build parents’ ability to ask targeted questions about curriculum and school plans. The committee said many families want substantive information about what their child is learning and how to support progress at home.

The third recommendation urged continued transparency about Title I funding allocations and for schools to explain how federal funds are used. Committee members noted stigma attached to the “Title I” label and recommended clearer language — staff said the division is shifting toward “schools receiving Title I services” — and practical outreach to help families understand resources and expected supports.

Board members questioned the workload of school social workers (time spent on IEP and evaluation work versus direct family and student services) and discussed recruitment, retention and linguistic/cultural representation among family liaisons. Committee members and staff described targeted outreach pilots, school‑based showcases of after‑school STEM and Olympiad programming, and efforts to partner with employers and community groups to expand enrichment opportunities.

T‑PAC proposed a 2026–27 charge to evaluate staffing models and fidelity of social‑emotional supports in Title I schools, analyze family engagement practices, and monitor Title I allocations and outcomes. Committee chairs said they will continue outreach, provide materials and convene focused discussions in the coming year.