HOOD RIVER — Hood River County School District announced today, Aug. 1, that the U.S. Department of Education has informed states it will award Fiscal Year 2025 ESEA formula funding that had been withheld pending review since July 1. This positive development means the school district now expects to receive crucial federal education grants, allowing vital programs for students to continue as planned.
The U.S. Department of Education announced it will begin releasing funding the week of July 28 for the following formula programs: Title I-C, ESEA: Migrant Education Program; Title II-A, ESEA: Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants; Title III-A, ESEA: English Language Acquisition; and Title IV-A, ESEA: Student Support and Academic Enrichment State Grants. Furthermore, the school district received a Grant Award Notice (GAN) from the U.S. Department of Education earlier this week for Title IV-B (21st Century Learning Centers), which funds the EXCEL after-school program.
Bill Newton, Superintendent, HRCSD
"The Hood River County School District is relieved to hear that the federal education grants are now expected to be awarded," said Bill Newton, superintendent of Hood River County School District. "This news provides much-needed clarity and stability as we finalize our budget and staffing plans for the 2025-26 school year. The continuation of these funds is essential for maintaining the high-quality programs our students and families rely on."
The confirmed funding will support programs crucial to student success:
Title I-C (Migrant Education): This funding, which supported 435 migrant students and families (11% of district enrollment) last year, will continue to support migrant education summer school, family engagement, preschool, and regular school programming.
Title II-A (Teacher and Leader Quality): These funds are crucial for enhancing the quality of teachers and leaders, with a focus on preparing, training, and recruiting high-quality educators, particularly for students from historically underserved backgrounds.Â
Title III-A (English Learners): This program ensures English learners, including immigrant children and youth, attain English proficiency and high levels of academic achievement. Title III funds will continue to support the district's instructional coach, English Language Development (ELD) professional development days, and ELD family nights.
Title IV-A (Student Support and Academic Enrichment): These funds provide students with access to a well-rounded education and improve the use of technology.Â
Title IV-B (21st Century Community Learning Center - EXCEL after-school program): This five-year grant will continue to fund the EXCEL after-school program at Parkdale Elementary, Mid Valley Elementary, Cascade Locks Elementary, and Wy’east Middle School, serving approximately 300 students last year. The 2025-26 school year is the third year of this grant, and its continuation ensures vital after-school activities and care for students and families from low-income backgrounds.
Newton added, "The continuation of these programs is critical, particularly for our most vulnerable students who rely heavily on these supports. We are grateful for this positive resolution."
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