Changes in Use of Census Data to Determine Title I Allocations in 2023-2024

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To:  Administrators, Asst. Administrators, and Business Managers

From:  Amanda Peterson, Director, Educational Improvement & Support
Stefanie Two Crow, Assistant Director, Educational Improvement & Support

Date:  December 6, 2022

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) is happy to announce that it is considering joining the 43+ states in using the US Department of Education (USED) method to determine Title I funding for the 2023-2024 school year for all districts. This has been the method used for large districts with over 20,000 total population in North Dakota. The NDDPI has had special permission from USED to use an alternative poverty method for smaller districts.

The USED method uses Census Bureau data of district boundaries, along with Census population and income, to estimate for each school district the number of children ages 5-17 in low-income households. The NDDPI plans to cease using the alternative poverty measure which included a complex weighted formula count of census (15.5%), foster (15.5%), free lunch (46%), and reduced lunch (23%) data.

Measuring the impact of poverty or low-income status on educational outcomes is vital for implementing and evaluating supplemental educational programs. Historically, student eligibility for free and reduced price lunch program (FRLP) served as a reliable source of student/family income status. To qualify for the FRLP, parents/legal guardians are required to report family income by submitting a National School Lunch Program application. However, since the implementation of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), schools with at least a minimum of 40% directly certified students can opt to provide free meals for all their students each school year. Due to the increasing number of CEP schools, the use of free and reduced price lunch is no longer a viable measure of student poverty in North Dakota. In addition, after a review of estimated calculations by a team at NDDPI, most ND districts will see an increase or minimal change. 

The census data is annually released to states in late December, providing a sample of valid and reliable data using a variety of poverty data sources to determine economic status. We encourage districts to thoroughly review the census data release as it will be used to determine the district’s Title I eligibility and allocations for the 2023-2024 school year. Once it becomes available, we will share a comparison chart and at that time you will see how this may impact your district.

At this time, we are sharing information only and no further action is needed. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this information, contact Stef Two Crow at 701-328-2287.