Title I
Title I is a federally funded program designed to help students meet challenging state academic standards in order to succeed in school.
Title I-A is a section of Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) that established these programs. It is formula-funded based on poverty levels as determined by free and reduced meal application status, but the services provided are for students at-risk of not meeting Arizona's K-12 Standards, so that they can improve their skills, succeed in the regular classroom and reach grade-level proficiency.
What is the purpose of Title I?
The purpose of Title I is to provide all children with a significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, high-quality education and to close educational achievement gaps. Title I supports our Title I schools to help ensure every child has access to an excellent education.
How is this accomplished?
- Supplemental programs (before/after school)
- Summer school programs
- Instructional support services
- School-wide reform efforts
- Teacher professional development
- Increased involvement of parents in their children’s education
- Evidence-based teaching strategies
How is the funding received by our district?
Our funding is determined by the number of eligible families, based on their annual income. This information is gathered by completing a Free & Reduced Meal application. Additionally, if eligible, students have access to much more than nutritional access!
What other benefits are available to qualified students?
If eligible, students have access to many of the following programs and resources:
- Afterschool and 21st Century Learning Programs
- English Learners Program
- Foster Care Resources
- Homeless and Migrant Resources
- Gifted and Advanced Learning Program
- Health and Nutrition Services
- Information Technology
- Office of Indian Education
- Special Education
- Intervention Programs for Math and Reading
- School Safety and Social Wellness
- Reduced fees for participation in Middle School and High School Athletics
- Reduced fees for participation in certain other extracurricular events and programs
Please Note: Not all programs are available at all schools.
Free & Reduced Meals Application
Applications for free and reduced meals must be submitted annually, even if approved the previous year.
We encourage all families to apply for free and reduced meal benefits as many families have experienced a change in their income due to COVID-19.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The income data collected is used solely for the purpose of determining eligibility for funding for our district.
For more information, please visit the SUSD Nutrition Services Page
To apply, submit your Free and Reduced meal applications online. Once there, click "Apply for Meals Today" or "Solicitar Comidas Hoy" located on the right side of the page.
In addition to receiving free or reduced fee meals, eligible students may also qualify for additional benefits including:
- Reduced fees for participation in Middle School and High School Athletics
- Reduced fees for participation in certain other extracurricular events and programs
- Other State and Federal benefits
Parent Resources
- Arizona Department of Education, Parent Gateway - Resources available to better prepare your child(ren) for success in school, college, career and life.
- Read On Arizona - Read On Arizona is committed to helping create an early literacy system that delivers the right program at the right time for every child.
- Arizona 2-1-1 - Arizona Community Information and Referral Services. Dial 2-1-1 within Arizona or 877-211-8661 from anywhere in the United States to find help as soon as possible.
- Family and Community Engagement - A key component of an effective Title I School Program is increasing Parent and Community Engagement in the education of children. Arizona believes Parent and Community Engagement will lead to the successful education of students.
- For more information on ESSA, please visit the links below:
Arizona Department of Education - ESSA
U.S. Department of Education information - ESSA - School Report Cards- Information about school State Report Cards
- Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC- Information about Arizona 21st CCLC Before/After/Summer School programs
Contact Us
Dr. David Priniski
Director of Federal and State Programs
480-484-5056
Molly Costantini
Administrative Assistant
480-484-6272
Shawn Crosier
Coordinator of Federal and State Programs
480-484-6273
Francisca Garcia
Coordinator & Compliance, State/Federal Grants
480-484-5020
Sonia Otero-Hanley
Administrative Support Coordinator Title I
480-484-5022