CCSD has record number of schools serving low-income students

By Paul Takahashi

Thursday, June 20, 2013 | 7:05 p.m.

A record number of Clark County public schools will receive federal funding next school year to help children from low-income families.

The issue: Public schools that serve a high percentage of impoverished children are eligible to receive federal funding through Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

The Clark County School Board approved on Thursday $79 million in federal Title I funding to be used at 238 schools next school year.

The vote: Unanimous, 7-0

The impact: A record 238 schools — or about 67 percent of the district's 357 schools — will be classified as Title I schools next school year. This is up from 224 Title I schools last year.

These Title I schools will receive between $75 and $338 in additional per-pupil funding to help students from low-income families. To qualify for Title I funding, schools must have at least 40 percent of its population participating in the federal free and reduced-price lunch program.

This funding will supplement school budgets for staff and consultants, professional development, travel and mileage, computer and office supplies and other costs. About $567,000 will be used to support district charter schools with tutors, substitutes and supplies.

Here is how schools plans to use most of the "Title I" money:

• Salaries and benefits for administrators and teachers: $53.7 million

• Instructional and computer materials: $10 million

• Support for low-performing schools: $6 million

• Computer supplies: $5 million

• Purchased professional services, such as consultants: $1.3 million