COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved the distribution of $2,557,325 in federal Title I Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding to 18 public school districts and charter schools throughout Coconino County.
The action, taken at the August 11 Board meeting, marks a historic level of direct investment in local schools. Over the past two years, direct funding to Coconino County schools through the SRS program has increased by more than $1.2 million, providing critical resources to districts serving students across the County’s rural and geographically diverse communities.
“Education funding in Arizona is at a crisis point,” Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman said. “Coconino County has made strategic decisions over the last two years to leverage additional federal resources for education while continuing to advocate at both the state and federal levels for the funding our schools need. Increasing funding to schools and establishing the Special Needs Allocation Program will help protect educational opportunities for our children and communities.”
In addition to the historic distribution, the Board approved the creation of the Secure Rural Schools Special Needs Allocation Program, developed and recommended by Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget.
The new program provides targeted, one-time financial assistance to schools experiencing extraordinary educational or operational circumstances that may affect students. The program provides the County with a consistent and accountable process for responding to unique needs while keeping students and educational outcomes at the center of funding decisions.
The Board approved the first two awards through the new program, providing $100,000 each to Flagstaff Unified School District and Maine Consolidated School District. The allocations will support the continuation of programs, services and operations that directly benefit students and families.
“Teamwork has resulted in significantly more funding going directly to our schools while also creating a way to respond when a school or district faces an extraordinary need,” Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget said. “Public education is one of the most important investments we make in the future of our communities and our economy. I am grateful to the Board of Supervisors for their partnership and continued commitment to our schools, our educators and, most importantly, our students.”
The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 provides financial assistance to rural counties and school districts impacted by declining revenues associated with federal lands. In Coconino County, where a significant portion of land is federally owned and not subject to local property taxes, SRS funding provides a source of support for schools and communities.
Title I SRS funds support schools and roads and are allocated by the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. These federal dollars provide resources for rural schools and communities that otherwise have limited ability to generate comparable local revenue.
The increased school distribution and creation of the Special Needs Allocation Program reflect a collaborative effort between the Coconino County Board of Supervisors and the Coconino County Superintendent of Schools to maximize the impact of federal SRS dollars, strengthen local schools and preserve educational opportunities for students throughout Coconino County.