Grant Money at Hamilton Takes a Dive

A government fund that the Hamilton School District uses for programs that aid children from low-income families has dipped dramatically this school year with little signs of stopping.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is a federal grant where the money is allocated into certain “titles” — or programs — at schools. The programs range from teacher development to technology.

Over the last nine years, the grant total peaked at almost $500,000 during the 2007-08 school year. This year the district will receive just under $175,000.

While that number pales in comparison to the district’s $48.16 million budget, Hamilton’s Public Information Coordinator, Denise Lindberg, says that money is used for some pretty important programs.

“We got barely $100,000 this year for the title that helps disadvantaged kids from low-income families,” Lindberg said. “That’s compared to the more than $300,000 we got just a few years ago. That money helps those students with core academic areas.”

The rest of the money from the grant goes toward teacher training and teaching English as a second language. The district doesn’t receive any money for other programs the grant covers like technology, drug-free initiatives and innovative programming.

Hamilton’s Educational Services and Human Resources Director, John Roubik, addressed the school board during Monday’s meeting.  He explained because of the budget crisis, the downward trend was expected to continue.