Over $11 million in grant funded programs in Freeport Schools

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The Freeport School District has secured over $11 million in grants this year for a variety of enrichment and recreational programs as well as support services for students and teachers. Gerard Poole, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for Freeport Schools made a presentation at the Jan 21 school board meeting about the variety of grant-funded programs now in place within the district.

“Without grants we could not be able to support many of the programs that make our District an amazing place for students to learn and grow,” Poole said.

While some grants are annually renewed through an application process that is not competitive, such as the federal Title I, II and III grants, others are very competitive and are supported through federal, state or private funds. “We apply to all relevant opportunities,” he explained.

Title I grants, support disadvantaged children in improving academic achievement through supplemental ELA (English Language Arts) and Math services. The grant provides professional development and staff as well as supplies. The Title II grant also helps to increase student academic achievement through professional development and is used for teacher training. Finally, Title III grants are to ensure that limited English proficient students develop English proficiency and provide staff and additional professional development to help these students.

Freeport received $1,453,384 in a Title I grant. A Title II grant for $310,236 was awarded to Freeport Schools and $345,045 was provided as a Title III grant, including $155,255 in a non annual immigration allotment due to a rise in enrollment of LEP students this year.

An additional $1,561,749 is awarded through IDEA 611 and 619 grants to support all aspects of special education programs. Freeport also receives $1,080,000 in a Universal Pre-K half-day program operation by St. Joseph’s College at Columbus Ave School that supports salaries, supplies, professional development and site leadership.

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