Kalispell schools all eligible for Title I funding

For the first time, all schools in Kalispell Public Schools are eligible for Title I funding.

Glacier High School was the most recent school to qualify.

Title I funds provide financial assistance to schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families. Title I funds are used to provide extra academic support services to this student population.

The goal is ensuring that disadvantaged students have an equal chance at obtaining a quality education and meeting state standards.

The amount of funds a given school receives is based on how many students are served, with priority given to students most at risk of failing.

Schottle said the increase would allow the district to equalize the support provided to schools for intervention and support personnel.

Prior to qualifying, Glacier High School still put support services and interventions in place using general funds.

“It is a positive thing because we were so close before — a couple of percentage points — for Glacier to be eligible for Title I,” Schottle said.

Although both Flathead and Glacier high schools are eligible now, funding was reduced by $86,000, for a total allocation of $500,000 based on the number of students from low-income households needing support. On the elementary side Title I funds increased by roughly $300,000, for a total allocation of $800,000.

Business Clerk Gwyn Andersen said the caveat to getting the full allocation amounts depends on the federal government balancing its budget by January.

If they do not, Andersen said the district might be looking at a 10 percent reduction in allocated Title I funds.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.