Support Our Parent Support Specialist

Cunningham is losing Title I funding

Here's what that means for our most vulnerable families — and how you can help.

Cunningham Elementary is a small but vibrant neighborhood school in South Austin. More than half of our families are considered economically disadvantaged, and for years, Title I federal funding has helped us meet their needs.

That's changing. Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Cunningham will no longer qualify for Title I funding — not because our community has changed, but because Austin ISD raised its eligibility threshold from 50% to 60%. At 54% economically disadvantaged, we fall just below the new cutoff.

What we stand to lose

Title I funding made it possible for Cunningham to employ a full-time Parent Support Specialist (PSS) — one of the most important roles on our campus. Our PSS doesn't just support families; they actively coordinate and run the programs that make a difference in students' lives every single day.

Here's a snapshot of what our PSS makes possible:

Food security

Our PSS coordinates a biweekly snack bag program — made possible through a partnership with Berkeley United Methodist Church — that ensures 80 students facing food insecurity have something to eat at home. They also manage a daily Snack Drawer, funded by Ally Medical, where about 10 students can grab a snack on days when they aren't able to bring one.

Clothing and supplies

Through the Cobra Closet and a partnership with Better ATX's Clothes for Kids program, our PSS has helped 30 students receive a full bag of clothes, a new pair of shoes, a book, and a hygiene kit. More than 10 new students have received a backpack full of school supplies through a community-funded supply closet. When families face unexpected hardships at home, our PSS steps in — this year alone, 5 students received emergency clothing after home incidents.

Holiday and seasonal support

Our PSS coordinates the Thanksgiving Meals program, through which 40 families receive a full Thanksgiving meal every year thanks to a partnership with South Austin Church. During the holiday season, 50 families received one or more gift cards through the Holiday Assistance program.

Family engagement and navigation

Beyond direct support programs, our PSS is the connective tissue between Cunningham families and the broader community. They greet students and parents every morning, help families navigate the school system, coordinate volunteers across campus, organize workshops on financial literacy, health, and attendance, and maintain relationships with dozens of community partners including El Buen Samaritano, Foundation Communities, Austin Public Health, and more.

Without a full-time PSS, all of this work is at risk. These programs don't run themselves — they exist because one dedicated person shows up every day to make them happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will free school meals be affected? Free breakfast and lunch at Cunningham are provided through the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, which is separate from Title I and based on different eligibility criteria. We do not expect free meals to be affected by this change, but we will confirm and update this page as we learn more.

Is this permanent? The Title I status change applies beginning in the 2026–2027 school year. We are actively advocating for our school and exploring all available options.

How will donations be used? Donations made through this page are specifically designated to fund the Parent Support Specialist position at Cunningham Elementary. They are separate from general PTA donations.