Created: 4/23/2009 5:46:18 PM 
Guilford County, NC -- Guilford County Schools could get a $16 million dollar slice of the stimulus pie, but the money can only be used for Title 1 schools.
The qualification to be a Title 1 school is based on the percentage of students on free and reduced lunch. Currently in Guilford County, elementary schools with 60%, middle schools with 67%, and high schools with 75% of students on free and reduced lunch are considered Title 1. Right now, there are a total of 46 Title 1 schools.
The Board of Education could vote to change the county requirements for what qualifies a school for Title 1. That way, more schools in the district would have a chance at the extra $16 million dollars.
"If you were to only take the current Title 1 schools and spread that $16 million just among those 46 schools, that's a lot of money to be used in one year. So, the thought behind this is spread those additional funds to the other schools so other schools and students will benefit," said Kelly Hales, the Director of Title 1.
There are two options of change before the board. One option is to lower the thresholds to 50% in elementary, 60% in middle schools, and 75% in high schools. This would allow 50 schools in the district to be designated as Title 1. The other option is the lower the thresholds to 40% in elementary, 50% in middle school, and 75% in high school. This would allow 65 schools to be designated as Title 1.
The Board of Education could vote as early as April 23 to change the Title 1 qualifications.
