Federal and State Grants

May 6, 2026

Mount Vernon receives federal and state grant funds that pay for additional supports beyond what the basic education funding model covers — from Title I reading specialists to family-engagement programs. The Categorical Programs office in TLL oversees these grants, manages compliance, and reports outcomes to OSPI and the U.S. Department of Education.

The summary below introduces our most significant federal/state programs. For audit reports and detailed financials, see the Mount Vernon District Report Card.

Programs

Title I, Part A — Schoolwide Program

Title I is a federal program supporting students in schools with high concentrations of poverty. Mount Vernon operates a schoolwide Title I model at all six elementaries (Centennial, Harriet Rowley, Jefferson, Little Mountain, Madison, Washington), both middle schools (LaVenture, Mount Baker), Mount Vernon High School, and Aspire Academy. Title I funds support reading specialists, instructional aides, parent-engagement coordinators, and supplemental learning materials.

Federal guidance: Title I, Part A at OSPI.

Learning Assistance Program (LAP)

The state-funded Learning Assistance Program provides supplemental academic support to students performing below grade level in reading, writing, and math, with a particular focus on early literacy in K-3. LAP services include small-group intervention, before/after-school programs, and summer school where funded.

State guidance: LAP at OSPI.

Parent & Family Engagement

Federal Title I funds require schools to invest in parent and family engagement. Mount Vernon's engagement plan includes annual Title I meetings at each school, family-teacher conferences, school-parent compacts, family literacy/math nights, and parent-leadership opportunities through Parent Advisory Councils. Multilingual brochures are available in English, Spanish, and Russian.

Parents' Right-to-Know

Title I families have the right to request information about the professional qualifications of their child's teachers and paraeducators — education, credentials, fields of study, and whether the teacher is teaching in their field of certification. Submit requests in writing to the school office or the Categorical Programs office.

OSPI guidance: Title I Staff Qualifications & Right-to-Know.

Services for students experiencing homelessness

McKinney-Vento services are funded in part through Title I. See the McKinney-Vento support page for what's available, who qualifies, and how to reach our District Homeless Liaison.

Title I & private schools

Federal law requires Mount Vernon to provide equitable services to eligible students attending private schools within district boundaries. The Categorical Programs office coordinates annually with participating private schools to identify eligible students and arrange supplemental services.

Filing a citizen complaint

Anyone with a concern about how Mount Vernon administers a federal or state categorical program can file a citizen complaint with OSPI. See OSPI Filing a Complaint for the process. Local concerns can also be raised directly with the Categorical Programs office.