American Recovery and Reinvestment Coordinating Council Report 

1. Overview of process and activities to include:

• • Guiding principles for review of funding and program activities
    
    • Spend Funds quickly to save and create jobs
    • Improve student achievement through school improvement and reform
      
      • Making progress toward rigorous college- and career-ready standards and high-quality assessments that are valid and reliable for all students, including English language learners and students with disabilities;
      • Establishing pre-K to college and career data systems that track progress and foster continuous improvement;
      • Making improvements in teacher effectiveness and in the equitable distribution of qualified teachers for all students, particularly students who are most in need;
      • Providing intensive support and effective interventions for the lowest-performing schools.
        
    • Ensure transparency, reporting and accountability
    • Invest one-time ARRA funds thoughtfully to minimize the "funding cliff"
      
  • Description/focus of working groups

i. State Superintendent's ARRA Advisory Committee
Purpose: Provide review and comment related to implementation of requirements and processes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as it relates to education.
ii. State Superintendent's ARRA Internal Advisory Committee
Purpose: Provide review and oversight of processes and procedures at the Oklahoma State Department of Education related to implementation and requirements of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as it relates to education
iii. Title I Committee of Practitioners as established by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Section 1903(b)
Purpose: Review proposed or final State rule or regulation related to Title I, Part A processes and implementation

• • Timelines for decisions

i. The United States Department of Education plans to award 50 percent of each state's Title I, Part A recovery funds by the end of March 2009 and the remaining 50 percent by October 2009.
Money will be available until September 30, 2011.
ii. These funds will be awarded under each state's existing approved Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) Consolidated State Application.

2. Various funding opportunities

• • Formula funding

i. Title I, Part A ($54,727,823 in March 2009; $54,727,823 by end of September 2009);
ii. Title I, Part D, Subpart 2, Delinquent ($689,058); and
iii. Title X, McKiIllley-Vento Homeless (The notification of state allocations will take place after the Consolidated State Performance Report data is finalized. The estimated window is between April 1 and April 18.)

• • Countercyclical funds

i. Title I, Part A ARRA awards will be in addition to the regular FY 2009 Title I, Part A grant awards that the United States Department of Education plans to make on July 1 and October 1, 2009.

• • Grant opportunities

i. Title I School Improvement Grant ($3 billion);
ii. Educational Technology Grant (650 million);
ltt. Teacher Incentive Fund ($200 million);
iv. Teacher Quality Enhancement($l00 million); and
v. Statewide Data Systems ($250 million)

• • Direct appropriations - Title I, Part A (Disadvantaged students); Title I, Part D, Subpart 2 (Delinquent students); and McKiIllley-Vento, Title X (Homeless students)

        3. Priorities and evaluation of funding

• • Process by which priorities will be established - Focus on the four principles defined by ARRA guidance

i. LEAs may use their Title I, Part A recovery funds consistent with the Title I, Part A statutory and regulatory requirements, including the requirements to provide equitable services to eligible private school students.
ii. Uses should be aligned with the core goals of ARRA to save and create jobs and to advance reforms. Schools and LEAs will have a unique opportunity to improve teaching and learning and should focus these funds on short-term investments with the potential for long-term benefits, rather than make ongoing commitments that they might not be able to sustain once recovery funds are expended.
iii. The United States Administration is committed over the long term to expanding early childhood educational opportunities.
iv. Potential uses of the Title I, Part A recovery funds that are a11owable under Title I and consistent with ARRA principles as provided in USDE guidance

• • Evaluation of jobs created or preserved

i. Title I, Part A - Potential use of funds for additional assistance for disadvantaged students - (i.e. academic coaches and academic interventionists in reading and mathematics)

4. Monitoring, reporting, and other compliance issues
Each LEA receiving Title l, Part A recovery funds shall report a school-by school listing of per-pupil educational expenditures from state and local sources. Further information will be provided in forthcoming United States Department of Education guidance.

• • Process claims according to approved application and budget for current year Title I, Part A Application and budget
  • Financial Monitoring as part of school districts selected for a comprehensive compliance review
  • Continue verifying claims utilizing school personnel records and Oklahoma Educator Credentialing System (OECS) and verifying ARRA expenditures as reported
  • Approve Consolidated State Applications for Title I, Part A and ARRA for next fiscal year prior to a district drawing down funds from federal programs
  • Proposed monthly reporting of uses of ARRA money to ensure transparency and accountability
  • Risk Analysis for Monitoring Determinations (OSDE Process)
  • Review of internal controls

i. Consolidated State Application for use of funds
II. Current Claims reimbursement (approval of all expenditures as allowable)
iii. Comprehensive Desk and On-site Monitoring Reviews

                    » Title I, Part A Application Compliance Reviews
                    » Title I, Part A Personnel Compliance Reviews
                    » Title I, Part A Expenditure Analysis
                    ». Title I, Part A Site Plan Compliance Reviews
                    » Title I, Part A, Degree of Alignment of Budget and Site Plans (fiscal and programmatic)
                    » Title I, Part A Performance Reports
                    » Title I, Part A Comparability Report Reviews
                    » Title I, Part A, Time and Effort Logs
                    » Title I, Part A Review of Inventories
                    » Title I, Part A Review of Contracts
                    » Title I, Part A Review of Audit Findings

• • Reporting procedures/dates
    Each state and LEA is responsible for ensuring that Title 1 recovery funds are used prudently and in accordance with the law. Each slate and LEA that receives Title I, Part A recovery funds must report on how those funds were spent at www.recovery.gov

1. Overview of process and activities to include:

• • Guiding principles for review of funding and program activities

i. Spend funds quickly to save and create jobs
ii. Improve student achievement through school improvement and reformMaking progress toward rigorous college and career ready standards and high quality assessments that are valid and reliable for all students, including English Language Learners and students with disabilities;

1. 1. 1. 1. Establishing Pre-k to college career data systems that track progress and foster continuous improvement;
         2. Making improvements in teacher effectiveness and in the equitable distribution of qualified teachers for all students, particularly students who are most in need; and
         3. Providing intensive supports and effective interventions for the lowest performing schools.

iii. Ensure transparency, reporting and accountability
iv. Invest one-time ARRA funds thoughtfully to minimize the "funding cliff."

• • Description/focus of working groups

i. State Superintendent's ARRA Advisory Committee
Purpose: Provide review and comment related to implementation of requirements and processes of the ARRA as it relates to education.
ii. State Superintendent's ARRA Internal Advisory Committee
Purpose: Provide review and oversight of processes and procedures related to implementation and requirements of the ARRA as it relates to education.
iii. IDEA B Advisory Panel as established by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) at CFR 300.167 - 300.169.
Purpose: The state must establish and maintain an advisory panel for the purpose of providing policy guidance with respect to special education and related services for children with disabilities in the State.
iv. Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) as established by IDEA Part C
Purpose: To advise and assist the Oklahoma State Department of Education (Oklahoma's lead agency for Part C of the IDEA [SoonerS tart]) in fulfillment of its responsibilities.

• • Timelines for decisions

i. The USDE plans to award 50 % of each state's IDEA Part B, Part C. and Section 619 recovery funds by the end of March 2009 and the remaining 50% by October 2009. Money will be available until September 30, 2011.
ii. These funds will be awarded under each state's existing approved IDEA Part B and C Grant Applications.

2. Various funding opportunities

• • Formula Funding

i. IDEA Part B (73,800,500 in March 2009; $73,800,500 by end of October 2009);
ii. IDEA Part C ($2,173,000 in March 2009; $2,173,000 by end of October 2009); and
iii. IDEA Section 619 [special education preschool money to serve 3 - 5 year olds with disabilities in public schools] (approximately $1.94 million in March 2009; and approximately $1.94 million by the end of October 2009).

1. 1. 1. For IDEA Part B and Section 619:

a. The LEAs base allocation is based on October 1, 2008 child count;
b. Of any additional funds distributed to LEAs 85% is distributed in pro rata basis according to public and private elementary and secondary school enrollment (October 1, 2008 counts);
c. 15% on a pro rata basis according to the number of children living in poverty (free and reduced lunch count or from census data);
d. For April 2009 allocations no new grant applications will be required except for districts that participate in interlocal cooperatives and special services cooperatives [these districts have not previously completed an application and will be required to do so to receive funds];
e. Coordinated Early Intervening Services – Districts may elect to set aside up to 15% of each allocation for students not yet determined eligible for special education services

f. LEAs will be required to budget a proportionate amount of funds for parentally placed private school children as with annual IDEA allocation;
g. LEAs are required to utilize funds for public charter schools in the same manner they utilize other IDEA funds.
h. Maintenance of effort- There is not provision to waive maintenance of effort at the LEA level.
i. Currently allocations are distributed on a claims reimbursement basis via a negotiated agreement with the United States Treasury Department.

iv. For IDEA Part C:

a. The money will be sent directly to the lead agency and the lead agency will be responsible for contracting with partner agencies, as necessary, to achieve the interagency collaboration required by IDEA Part C.

• • Countercyclical Funds

i. IDEA Part B, C, and Section 619 funds will be awarded in addition to the regular FY 2009, grant awards that the department plans to make available on July 1 and October , 2009.

3. Priorities and evaluation of funding

• • Restore any positions that were laid off
  • Obtain state of the art assistive technology devices and provide training in their use to enhance access to the general curriculum for students with disabilities
  • Provide intensive district-wide professional development for special education and regular education teachers that focuses on scaling-up, through replication, proven and innovative evidence-based school-wide strategies in reading, math, writing and science, and positive behavioral supports to improve outcomes for students with disabilities
  • Develop or expand the capacity to collect and use data to improve teaching and learning
  • Expand the availability and range of inclusive placement options for preschoolers with disabilities by developing the capacity of public and private preschool programs to serve these children
  • Hire transition coordinators to work with employers in the community to develop job placements for youths with disabilities

i. LEAs may use their IDEA Part B and Section 619 funds consistent with IDEA statutory and regulatory requirements.

4. Monitoring, reporting, and other compliance issues:

• • Each LEA receiving IDEA Part B and Section 619 recovery funds shall report a school by school listing of per pupil educational expenditures from state and local sources. Further information will be provided in forthcoming USDE guidance
  • Process claims according to approved budget
  • Financial monitoring as part of school districts selected for a comprehensive compliance review
  • Verify claims utilizing school personnel records, Oklahoma Educator Credentialing System and professional records
  • September 2009 all districts will have to complete funding application in order to receive IDEA monies in October
  • Review of internal controls in IDEA Funding Manual

1. Overview of process and activities to include:

• • Guiding principles for review of funding and program activities: Public Law 111-5, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. The ARRA provides a one-time appropriation of $100,000,000 for equipment assistance to School Food Authorities (SFAs) participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Oklahoma will be awarded $1,519,638, to be distributed to SFAs in June 2009. The primary effect of the NSLP equipment assistance grants authorized by the ARRA will be to improve the infrastructure in the NSLP.
  • Description/focus of working groups: The focus group is SFAs that participate in the NSLP with priority given to those schools in which 50 percent or more of the students are eligible for free or reduced price meals.
  • Timelines for decisions:

a) March 20, 2009, funding is available to states to draw down from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
b) March 25, 2009, go to print with memo to the SFAs
c) March 26, 2009, SFA application for grant available on line
d) April 30, 2009, applications due in State Office
e) June 8, 2009, State Agency approves/notifies grant recipients of award
f) June 15,2009, funds dispersed

2. Various funding opportunities: This is a competitive grant ONLY.

3. Priorities and evaluation of funding:

• • Process by which priorities will be established: Based on SF As response to application questions
  • Investigate funding opportunities/program intersections with other agencies: N/A
  • Evaluation of jobs created or preserved: N/ A. This funding is for food service equipment only.

4. Monitoring, reporting, and other compliance issues

• • Risk assessment: Awaiting guidance from USDA
  • Review of internal controls: SPAs will be assigned OCAS codes for tracking purposes and State Agency will be assigned a CPDA number by USDA.
  • Reporting procedures/dates: SFA will submit application by April 30, 2009; State Agency will disperse funds to SFA via our e-cIaims system; State Agency will report to USDA according to guidance yet to be furnished.

5. Other issues:

• • Legal: The USDA regulations at 7 CPR 3016.3 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-87 define equipment for the purpose of NSLP equipment assistance grants as articles of nonexpendable, tangible, personal property with a useful life of more than one year and a per-unit acquisition cost of $5,000 or more. However, Oklahoma law defines nonexpendable equipment as having an acquisition cost of $2,500 or more. Therefore, grant applications will be accepted based on the $2,500 threshold. This threshold has been authorized by USDA Southwest Region.
  • Procedural: Child Nutrition Programs has met with USDA Southwest Regional Office, OCAS, and Data Services to develop the SPA online application, to establish the review process/approval of the applications by the State Agency, and the method by which funds will be dispersed to the SPA.
  • Other: The memo to the SPAs and the application are awaiting approval by the State Agency.

1. Overview of process and activities:

• • Adult education activities will be funded through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) ARRA funds.
  • Adult education activities may be targeted toward low-wage/low skill adults, dislocated workers, unemployed, underemployed, youth aged 16-24, T ANF clients, and English as a Second Language (ESL) students.
  • The Adult Education Director is a member of the Workforce Solutions Staff Team (WSST) which provides support for the Governors' Council on Workforce and Economic Development.
  • The Adult Education Director and Assistant Director serve on the Career Pipeline Committee which is a subcommittee of WSST. The Career Pipeline Committee is developing strategies that focus on the types of workers listed in the stimulus package, industry clusters in the stimulus package, and using tools and strategies to connect the types of workers with industry clusters.

2. Various funding opportunities:

• • There are no direct appropriations for adult education.
  • 85% of the WIA funds will be distributed to the Local Workforce Investment Boards (LWIBs).
  • LWIBs may contract/provide funding to Adult Learning Centers for adult education and literacy services. • 15% of the WIA funds may be kept for state activities.
  • Part II of the WIA funds are for competitive grants.

3. Priorities and evaluation of funding:

• • Priority activities of funding include accelerated programs (fast-track GED classes), concurrent enrollment in Adult Basic Education (ABE) and occupational training, transitioning ABE students to Post-secondary education, transitioning ESL students to ABE, work readiness, and entry-level health careers training.
  • Competitive workforce grants will be available in Part II of ARRA.
  • Any evaluation of jobs created or preserved will need to be tracked by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and the Department of Commerce.

4. Monitoring, reporting, and other compliance issues:

• • Adult Learning Centers will need a way to track stimulus income received from LWIBs and expended for adult education services.
  • Adult Learning Centers will need to follow the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, OMB Circular- AS7, and EDGAR when determining allowable costs.
  • The Lifelong Learning Section can track adult students affected by stimulus funds through our management information system by assigning students a keyword. We can track contact hours, educational gains, employment goals, entrance into post-secondary education and training, and receipt of a General Educational Development (GED) Diploma.

5. Other Issues:

• • We need to determine how to track the stimulus funds received by the Adult Learning Centers from the LWIBs. These funds will not flow through the SDE.
  • We need to determine how to track stimulus fund expenditures made by the Adult Learning Centers to ensure all costs are allowable. Since these funds do not flow through the SDE, the Adult Learning Centers wi11 not be submitting claims for reimbursement.
  • There is not supposed to be any duplication of services under WIA. We will need to make sure that other entities are not being paid to provide adult education services (Career Tech, Community Colleges).

Public Law 111-5, the American Recovery and ReinvestmentActof2009 (ARRA), was signed into law by President Obama on February 17,2009. The ARRA provides a one-time appropriation of $100,000,000 for equipment assistance to SFAs participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Oklahoma will be awarded $1,519,638.00, to be distributed to SFAs in June 2009.

The primary effect of the NSLP equipment assistance grants authorized by the ARRA will be to improve the infrastructure in the NSLP. It is important to note that the authority for the grants was provided in the context of the overall effort to stimulate activity within the American economy. Therefore. to proyide timely impact in the economy. grant recipients are encouraged to fully expend their NSLP equipment assistance grants within three months of the award.

SFA Applications

Each SFA participating in the NSLP is eligible to submit applications on behalf of individual school sites that wish to receive an NSLP equipment assistance grant. Go to the State Department of Education (SDE) Web site at http://sde.state.ok.us, and click on Child Nutrition eClaims. Look for "Equipment Assistance Grant Application" in the blue box to the left of the page. Click on this, and complete one application for each school site needing equipment. Be sure to Save and Certify each form.

The application deadline is April 30, 2009. No application or revisions to an application will be accepted past the due date.

Equipment Definition

Equipment requests may include new equipment, renovation (refurbishment) of equipment, or replacement of equipment. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations at 7 CFR 3016.3 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-87 define equipment for the purpose of NSLP equipment assistance grants as articles of non expendable, tangible personal property with a useful life of more than one year and a per-unit acquisition cost of $2,500 or more. As with all federal grant funds, equipment procured using NSLP equipment assistance grant funds must be a reasonable and permissible cost.

Selected SFAs must maintain all documentation pertaining to this grant on file until June 30, 2013.

Criteria for Award of NSLP Equipment Assistance Grants to SFAs

State agencies must comply with the statutory requirement that these competitive grants are to be based on the need for equipment assistance in participating schools with priority given to schools in which 50 percent or more of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. In addition, state agencies must consider the ability of applicant SF As to fully expend grant funds within three months of the award.

In order to make the most effective use of NSLP equipment assistance grant funds, there will be four focus areas included on the application. SFAs may select one or more of the focus areas when justifying their need for the equipment assistance grant.

Resources

The National Food Service Management Institute (NFSMI) has recently developed a resource for SFAs entitled Equipment Purchasing and Facility Design for School Nutrition Programs which includes information on decision making for purchase of school food service equipment. This resource is available on NFSMPs Web site at http://nfsmi.org.

Approval Notification

If a grant is approved and awarded to your SFA, you will be notified by June 30, 2009. The notification will include the amount of the grant and the approximate date the SFA can expect the award to be deposited.

If you have questions, please contact the CNP office at (405) 521-3327.

Last Modified on 04/03/2009