Federal Programs
Forrest County School District coordinates several federal grants in conjunction with the
Mississippi Department of Education. The District currently receives the following grants:
Title I
The general purpose is to enhance the existing educational program to improve academic
achievement. Funds are used to supplement funds made available from nonfederal sources. The
district receives Title I funding based on census poverty data, and Title I funds are generated for
each school based on free and reduced lunch data.
Forrest County School District uses Title I funds in all of our K-12 schools. Each K-12 school
operates a Title I schoolwide program. This program provides financial assistance to schools to
improve the existing state and district-funded programs. Title I funds generally offer additional
interventionists and support staff for students. It can also provide opportunities for professional
development for school staff, extra time for teaching Title I students the skills they need, a
variety of supplementary teaching methods, an individualized program for students, and
additional teaching material that supplements regular instruction. Each school develops a
continuous schoolwide plan based on needs identified within the school. The Title I school plans
include evidence-based strategies for improving student achievement and family engagement
strategies. For more information regarding school plans, please contact the Principal of the
school.
Title II
The general purpose is to enhance administrators' and teachers' existing professional
development programs. Title II funds are generated based on student enrollment.
Forrest County School District receives Title II funds to support content specialists and provide
professional development for district staff. The funds are also used to provide evidence-based,
high-quality professional development that improves the knowledge of all teachers and
principals in the district.
Title IV, Part A
The general purpose is to provide a well-balanced educational experience, enhance safety and
security, and enhance the use of technology. This grant is limited to a percentage of funds that
can be expended on each area of this grant. Title IV funds are generated based on student
enrollment.
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) includes a flexible block grant program under Title IV.
Title IV, Part A authorizes activities in three broad areas:
1. Providing students with a well-rounded education (e.g. STEM, arts, civics, IB/AP, health
and physical education).
2. Supporting safe and healthy students (e.g. school mental health, drug and violence
prevention, training on trauma-informed practices, health and physical education).
3. Supporting the effective use of technology (e.g. professional development, blended
learning, technology devices).
Discrimination
The Forrest County School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color,
national origin, disability, marital status, or sex in providing education or access to benefits of
education services, activities, or employment opportunities and benefits in accordance with Title
VI, Title VII, Title IX and other civil rights or discrimination issues, Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The following
officials have been designated to coordinate compliance with these legal requirements and may
be contacted at the Forrest County School District office.
The Forrest County School District adheres to a policy of non-discrimination in educational
programs/activities and employment and strives affirmatively to provide equal opportunity for
students and staff. Specifically, the district provides employment and educational opportunities
without discrimination and without regard to gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age,
religion, disability, or any other legally protected status. The following person has been
designated as the discrimination compliance officer and will handle inquiries regarding the
district’s nondiscrimination policies, the filing of grievances, and requests for copies of
grievance procedures covering discrimination in all areas other than on the basis of disabilities.
Discrimination Compliance Officer
Assistant Superintendent
Gina Gallant
Address: 400 Forrest St.
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Phone: 601-545-6055 Fax: 601-545-6054