Current Status
The district has absorbed an unanticipated decrease in federal Title I and Title IV funding for the FY26 budget. This reduction, part of a cumulative loss of nearly $200,000 over three years, means fewer dollars for professional development and raises concerns for future budgets.
Overview
- On June 9, 2025, the Assistant Superintendent reported an unanticipated decrease in Title I and Title IV funding, contributing to a cumulative loss of nearly $200,000 over three years.
- On June 10, 2024, Dr. Prince reported a significant decrease of nearly $150,000 in federal Title funding for the upcoming fiscal year and outlined proposed allocations for the remaining funds to support students at Kaler and Skillin schools.
Perspectives
Administration
- Reported that while the district absorbed the latest funding decrease for the FY26 budget, it will mean fewer dollars for professional development and creates future budget concerns.
- Proposed allocating the reduced FY25 funds to support students at Kaler and Skillin schools, as well as multilingual learners.
Meeting History
June 9, 2025
June 9, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Federal Funding (ESEA) Update
The Assistant Superintendent reported an unanticipated decrease in federal Title I and Title IV funding for the upcoming year, contributing to a cumulative loss of nearly $200,000 over three years. While the district absorbed the impact for the FY26 budget, the reduction means fewer dollars for professional development and raises concerns for future budgets.
Pre-K Partnership Update
The district is moving forward with a partnership with Chickadee to fund 12 pre-K seats for South Portland residents starting this fall. A planned partnership with United Way for additional seats has been delayed until fall 2026.
June 10, 2024
June 10, 2024 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Federal Funding Update
Dr. Prince provided an update on Federal Title Funding (ESEA), reporting a significant decrease of nearly $150,000 for the upcoming fiscal year, primarily in Title I funds, and outlined the proposed allocation of the remaining funds to support students at Kaler and Skillin schools, as well as multilingual learners.