Department of Federal Programs

  • Dr. Tereka Williams Executive Director

    Dr. Tereka Williams 
    Executive Director
    (678) 301- 6357

    The Office of Federal Programs and Compliance is committed to maximizing federals funds to support the planning and implementation of district and school improvement initiatives. Federal funds are used to support 70 Title I schools, English Learners, Migrant and Immigrant programs, Equitable Services, and district-wide academic interventions and supports. Additionally, the Office of Federal Programs and Compliance supports family and community engagement activities.

  • Picture of director Amy Song
    Amy Song
    Director
    Federal Programs
  • Picture of director, eric blachly
    Eric Blachly
    Director
    Budget and Compliance
  • Picture of Dr. Valdez
    Dr. Chisel Valdez
    Director
    Federal Programs
  • Family and Community Engagement Resources

    Gwinnett County Public Schools believes that parents are a child's first and most important teachers. Our goal is to engage every family and community to achieve success for all of our students. 

    Dr. Chisel Valdez, Director 

    Shenée Holloway, Coordinator

    Milena Fuentes, Coordinator

    678-301-7060

  • Title I, Part A

    Title I, Part A – Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged

    Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, provides funding to school districts to help ensure that all children, particularly those who are most academically at-risk, meet challenging state academic standards. Schools participating in the Title I program receive funds based on the percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price school meals. Title I programs are designed to ensure high standards for all students, increase quality instructional time, improve instruction through professional development, enhance family participation in the educational process, expand educational resources, and strengthen accountability.

    Seventy schools within Gwinnett County Public Schools receive Title I services. Of these, 45 are elementary schools, 12 are middle schools, 10 are high schools, and three special entities. These schools offer a schoolwide program where all students, teachers, and families benefit from the supplemental resources and support provided by Title I. 

    At least one percent of the district's total Title I allocation is reserved to fund family and community engagement programs.  No less than 90% of these funds are used directly by schools to promote family and community engagement activities.  These funds are used based on suggestions and input provided by families and community members to strengthen students' academic achievement during districtwide opportunities for engaging and partnering with families in their children's education.  Additionally, these funds help offset the cost of ensuring that each Title I school has a Parent Center and a staff member trained to support parents and families.

  • Title I, Part C

    Title I, Part C – Education of Migratory Children

    Title I, Part C of ESSA is designed to support the academic and basic medical needs of children who have been verified by the Georgia Department of Education for the Migrant Education Program. These are children whose families have moved within the last three years due to economic necessity, and who work in seasonal agricultural or fishing jobs. This program serves children ages 3 – 21 by removing barriers to their academic participation and success.

  • Title II, Part A

    Title II, Part A – Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High Quality Teachers, Principals, or other School Leaders

    The purpose of Title II, Part A of ESSA is to maintain teacher and leader effectiveness through recruitment, retention, and professional development.

     

  • Title III, Part A

    Title III, Part A – Language Instruction for English Learners and Immigrant Students

    Title III, Part A of ESSA ensures that English Learner and Immigrant students receive needed supplemental support to assist in their acquisition of English and their overall academic success.

  • Title IV, Part A

    Title IV, Part A – Student Support and Academic Enrichment

    Title IV, Part A of ESSA offers students the opportunity for interventions and academic enrichments as well as access to additional technology for digital literacy. In addition, this grant provides funding to improve school conditions for student learning.

  • Equitable Services

    Equitable Services

    Students, families, and teachers in private schools may be eligible for equitable services in accordance to guidance from U.S. Department of Education as it relates to each individual federal program. 

  • The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

    The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act – Education for Homeless Children and Youth

    The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act provides support for students who are experiencing homelessness. Its purpose is to remove barriers to academic success that students may face as a result of their living situation.