Bay City Public Schools participates in a range of state and federal grant programs designed to enhance educational opportunities and resources for our students and faculty. These programs include Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, and the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund. Each program has specific objectives and focus areas, as outlined below.

Federal Programs

Title I: Improving Basic Programs

Title I is the largest federal education funding program for schools. It aims to provide all children with a high-quality education, with a focus on improving the academic achievement of disadvantaged students. In our district, Title I funds are used to support additional instructional staff, resources, and interventions in reading and mathematics in schools with high percentages of low-income students.

Title II: Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High-Quality Teachers and Principals

Title II funds are directed towards professional development, recruitment, and retention of high-quality teachers and principals. The goal is to improve the quality of teaching and leadership in our schools. These funds support initiatives such as teacher mentoring, professional development workshops, and leadership training programs to ensure that our educators are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet diverse student needs.

Title III: Language Instruction for English Learners and Immigrant Students

Title III grants focus on improving the education of English learners (ELs) and immigrant students, helping them achieve English proficiency and meet state academic standards. This program funds activities such as English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, bilingual education, and culturally responsive teaching materials. The goal is to ensure that all students, regardless of language background, have access to quality education.

Title IV: Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants

Title IV supports activities in three broad areas: providing a well-rounded education, maintaining safe and healthy students, and enhancing the use of technology for improved academic achievement and digital literacy. This program funds a wide range of activities, including STEM education, mental health services, and the integration of technology in classrooms to promote personalized learning.

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

The McKinney-Vento program addresses the needs of homeless students, ensuring their access to free and appropriate public education. It provides resources for academic support, transportation, and other essential services to students experiencing homelessness.

Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund

The ESSER fund, established as part of the federal government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, provides emergency relief to address the impact of the pandemic on elementary and secondary schools. Our district uses these funds for various purposes, including supporting student activities, addressing learning loss, improving schools, and providing mental health services and support for students and staff.

State of Michigan Grant Programs

Section 23g: MI Kids Back on Track

The MI Kids Back on Track grant is designed to address unfinished learning and assist students in reaching grade-level academic standards. These funds support before-school, during-school, after-school, and summer programs. The grant focuses on providing additional academic assistance to students at risk of falling behind and helping high school students prepare for postsecondary education.

Section 31a: At-Risk Student Support

Section 31a funding is allocated to support at-risk students in Michigan. These funds are used to address the needs of students at risk of not meeting academic standards, providing additional instructional time, targeted interventions, and other support services.

Section 31aa: Student Mental Health Support

Section 31aa funds are allocated to bolster student mental health and safety. This funding will enable us to enhance our mental health services by providing nurses and counselors. Additionally, we'll be able to upgrade our school safety infrastructure.

Section 31o: Health & Safety

Section 31o is designed to boost the number of psychologists, social workers, counselors, and nurses in Michigan schools and is being utilized by Bay City Public Schools specifically to fund additional nurses in each of our schools. This funding, set to decrease over three years from FY 22 to FY 24, aims to enhance student support services.

Section 35a: Early Literacy

Section 35a allocates funding to enhance early literacy, focusing on additional instructional time for pre-K to grade 5 students who need extra support to reach grade-level reading proficiency by the end of grade 3. This initiative is a key step in ensuring early academic success and lifelong learning for our young learners.

Section 41: Bilingual Education

Section 41 Bilingual funds are allocated to support English learners (ELs) at the most basic levels of English proficiency. This funding is used for additional services, materials, and support for students identified at specific WIDA Proficiency Levels. It also facilitates teacher professional development and courses for ESL or Bilingual Education endorsements.

Section 67f: FAFSA Challenge

Section 67f provides funds to improve Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates. Districts are eligible for initial funding based on their 12th-grade enrollment, with the funds earmarked for activities that drive FAFSA completion. Additional payments are available for each 12th-grade student who submits a FAFSA, which districts may use at their discretion, although they are encouraged to continue efforts to improve FAFSA completion rates.

Section 97: Improve Student Safety

Section 97 provides per-pupil funding to enhance school safety. This includes staff training in threat assessment and response, safety infrastructure improvements, responsible gun ownership education, and professional development for school resource officers.

Section 99h: Robotics Program

Section 99h provides competitive grants for districts and intermediate districts to support participation in FIRST Robotics and other similar technology and science programs. These grants are aimed at improving students' skills in mathematics, science, and technology and preparing them for future college and career opportunities. Funding covers coaching stipends, event registrations, materials, travel, and competition-related expenses.

Through these grant programs, Bay City Public Schools is committed to providing high-quality educational experiences to all students, ensuring equity, and fostering continuous improvement in our teaching and learning environments.