Title I – $13 Billion
The Department of Education is distributing $13 billion in Title I funding to local school districts under current funding formulas. Title I is also known as the “No Child Left Behind” program that is designed to equalize student performance in low achieving schools with their grade-level peers.
The Federal Department of Education has published guidance for use in investing the stimulus funds:
- Spend funds quickly to save and create jobs.
- Improve student achievement through school improvement and reform.
- Ensure transparency, reporting, and accountability..
- Invest one-time ARRA funds thoughtfully to minimize the “funding cliff”. (A funding cliff is defined as a program or investment that is not sustainable when the stimulus funds are exhausted).
When will the money be available?
50% of the funds will be disbursed to states prior to the end of March 2009. The remaining 50% will be made available beginning July 1, 2009. Funds will be distributed under existing formulas so schools currently receiving Title I funding are receiving a 50% increase in Title I funding for 2 years. Since schools are among the institutions that have “use or it lose it” requirements, there will be a push to spend money as soon as it is disbursed. Plus, many schools will be planning purchases this spring in anticipation of the additional funds in the coming year’s budget.
Who will decide what to purchase?
The decision makers at schools and school districts include 6,000 school superintendents and 31,000 public school principals. Special targets at the district level are special increase districts, NCLB intensity districts, and schoolwide schools within those districts.
At the District level, you should get your offer in front of federal funds directors, special education coordinators and directors of federal funds, staff development, academic testing, curriculum, safety/security, transportation, drop-out prevention, ELL/ESL, alternative education, before/after school programs, and parent involvement, as well as social workers/substance abuse counselors.
At the school building level, appropriate targets would be Title I coordinator, librarian, technology coordinator, remedial reading teachers, literacy coaches, guidance counselors, and the supervisor of before/after school programs.
MCH can help you target these decision makers with high-quality marketing data. Request more information by using this form or call us now at 1-800-776-6373.
What will they be buying?
Schools will focus spending on materials designed to improve student academic performance such as supplementary materials; technology products and services including computer hardware, software, networking, and support; staff development; testing materials; office equipment/supplies; identification products; books; audiovisual equipment; and media. As always, B2B marketers with specialized niche products should target specialized job functions. All curriculum products must meet NCLB standards.
What does it mean for your business?
In summary, the Title I funds represent a 40%-50% increase for many school systems. If you’ve been marketing to successfully to Title I schools, redouble your efforts. If you haven’t marketed yet to Title I schools, call MCH today for an evaluation or use this form to request more information.
MCH is America’s leading compiler of business-to-institution marketing data. We have more than 80 years of experience helping companies sell to schools, school districts, and other educational institutions. Contact us today to find out how you can effectively target the $13 billion in new Title I funding.
