Don’t Lose Your Title I Funds—Invest in Your School & Parent Libraries!
Did you know your Title I funds might go away if you do not use them before the school year ends? Every year, many schools lose this important money simply because they did not spend it in time. In Southern California, reading, culture, and community are very important. So, making the most of every dollar helps our students succeed.
Title I funds can help you add more books to your school library or create a special library for parents. Below is a simple guide on how you can use your Title I dollars before they are gone.
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Why Title I Funds Sometimes Go Unspent
Title I is a part of a law called the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). It gives money to
schools with many students from low-income families. This money is meant to add extra help for reading
and math.
The Catch: If you do not use this money correctly or on time, the district—or even the
federal government—can take it back.
Don’t let this happen to you. With a little planning, you can use Title I money for important items that help students learn and bring families closer to your school.
Building & Keeping a Strong School Library
Rules from the state and district allow you to spend Title I funds on books and reading materials. These resources should help students learn more than just what they get in regular classes. For example, buying new and interesting books can encourage students to read and do better in school.
Many districts say “Other Books” (Commitment Item 420010) or “Supplemental Instructional Materials” (Commitment Item 430010) are allowed under Title I. But any money you spend must match the goals in your School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA). This plan shows how your school will help students become better readers or build stronger language skills.
“Books and materials to build and/or enhance the school’s parent library” is also an approved Title I use in many Southern California districts.
Helping Families with a Parent Library
You can also use Title I money to set up a library just for parents. When parents have bilingual or culturally diverse books to read at home, they can better help their children learn. Rules say you can spend about 1% or more of your Title I money on parent involvement. A parent library is a great way to do this.
Giving parents easy access to books can:
- Make the bond between home and school stronger
- Give parents tools to support their kids’ reading
- Create a culture of reading in the whole community
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5 Easy Tips for Using Your Title I Funds
- Check Your SPSA
Your plan should clearly say you will buy books or other materials to help with reading or parent involvement. If not, update it or get approval from your district. - Choose Good, Diverse Materials
Find books in different languages or with different cultures. Also look for books that help struggling readers. - Keep Records
You need to save quotes, receipts, and notes showing why you bought each item with Title I money. - Ask Parents for Ideas
Parents may know best what kind of books or topics their kids need. This will help make sure the materials are used. - Buy Everything Before the Deadline
Districts often have strict cutoff dates for Title I orders. Order early so you don’t miss out.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Unused Title I funds can disappear if you don’t use them by your district’s or the federal deadline. Don’t lose this valuable chance to boost student reading with new books, bilingual materials, and parent resources.
Whether you add to your school library, create a small reading area for families, or open a brand-new library corner, Title I can help pay for it—and help students succeed.
More Information on Spending Title I Money
- LAUSD Title I Cheat Sheet (2025–2026)
- SBUSD Expenditure Guidelines for Title I and LCAP (Budgets 501 & 419)
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Disclaimer: Always check your district’s Title I rules and talk with your Title I Coordinator before buying anything.