Consolidation of Funds: Unlocking Opportunities for Flexibility and Innovation

Thursday February 20, 2025
2:45 - 3:45 PM
Room 19AB

Consolidation of Funds is an ESEA encouraged funding approach that merges multiple federal funding sources with state and local funds, unlocking increased opportunities for innovation and flexibility at Title I schools. Georgia is a trailblazer in this domain, piloting Consolidation of Funds in 2016 with four LEAs and expanding the initiative to 46 LEAs and more than 400 schools. Drawing on nine years of practical experience, Georgia’s state leaders share an overview of Consolidation of Funds, discuss the logistics of implementation, and spotlight compelling success stories from Title I schools across the state. Join this session to explore how Consolidation of Funds fosters strategic synergy among federal, state, and local funds, positively impacting continuous school improvement efforts.

Presenters
Brittan Ayers

Currently the Program Manager for the Coordinated Federal Programs Unit at the Georgia Department of Education, Brittan leads the service and support model for all LEAs that consolidate funds in Georgia. Prior to joining the Department, Brittan served as the Federal Programs Director at two of the original four LEAs that piloted Consolidation of Funds and was instrumental in developing, promoting, and ensuring the success of the initiative across Georgia.
Kelli Kendrick

Currently a Program Specialist in the Coordinated Federal Programs Unit at the Georgia Department of Education, Kelli provides service and support to LEAs that consolidate funds in Georgia. Serving as the Chief Academic Officer at one of the original LEAs that piloted Consolidation of Funds in Georgia, Kelli was instrumental in developing, promoting, and ensuring the success of the initiative across Georgia.
Shaun Owen

Currently serving as the Deputy Superintendent of Federal Programs at the Georgia Department of Education, Shaun led Georgia’s Consolidation of Funds Initiative, which grew from four LEAs to 46 LEAs, and gained national recognition culminating in a presentation with the U.S. Department of Education at the National ESEA conference. Also serving the Georgia Department of Education in prior years as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Director of Consolidated Federal Initiatives, and State Ombudsman, Shaun’s passion is improving education for all students.
Kathleen Yarbrough

Currently serving as the State Director (ESSA) at the Georgia Department of Education, Kathleen manages and oversees all of the ESSA Programs in the state. Serving as the Executive Director of Federal Programs for an LEA in the second cohort to pilot Consolidation of Funds in Georgia, Kathleen was instrumental in developing, promoting, and ensuring the success of the initiative across Georgia.
type:
Hybrid Lecture
theme:
Leadership
audience:
Building Leaders
tags:
School Improvement, ESEA Success Stories