Any changes in federal funding could threaten jobs at Fort Plain Central School 

The uncertain future of federal grants in 2012-13 has caused Fort Plain school district leaders to become concerned about school jobs and services. Any possible changes in current funding programs could threaten as many as 11.3 FTE (full time equivalent) positions.

The district qualifies for the special federal grants based on the school’s makeup — especially its percentage of students from low-income families. Any interruption in those funds could immediately affect the programs the district offers.

Currently, $238,460 of federal special education funds under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act pays for five special education teaching assistants and one school psychologist.

The district received a total of $668,259 in Title grants (almost 4 percent of the total school budget and 8.29 percent of the total instructional budget) in 2011-12 to improve student performance. A partial breakdown is as follows:

• $308,206 Title I grant (for schools with low income students) pays for two remedial reading teachers, one remedial math teacher, 0.4 FTE and 0.2 FTE guidance counselors, a 0.2 FTE parent liaison, and a 0.2 FTE response to intervention/academic intervention services position;

•  $67,680 Title I grant pays for supplemental instruction to enhance teaching and improve student performance at Harry Hoag Elementary;

• $29,500 Title I school improvement grant pays for materials;

• $72,749 Title II grant (teacher and academic improvement) pays for 1.3 FTE first grade teachers; and

• $39,303 Title VI grant (for rural, low-income schools) pays for a .4 FTE AIS math teacher. Of the total, $17,791 can only be spent on materials, supplies and training.

“The first problem is that the $67,680 is currently paying for teachers this year and isn’t in the local budget,” said Superintendent Douglas C. Burton. “And the bottom line is that without all the money the district receives from the federal grants, those 11.3 positions would go away next year.”

Mr. Burton said most residents may not think about the importance of federal grants in the school budget, but they are vital in operating the district.

“In order for us to offer a sound education to our students, we need those grants,” he said. “We are grateful for those funds and certainly appreciate the government’s emphasis on education.”