The grant application was approved by the Board on June 5, 2008.  The project award in the amount of $9,101,500.00, was approved in August, 2008 by the Department of Education.  In order to change the way funds were allocated, an amendment must be Board approved and submitted to the Department of Education.

Request to reallocate $263,000.00 that was previously allocated to Function 5200, Object 4310, Professional and Technical Services. 

The Florida Department of Education has advised the school district that the method previously used to determine funding for charter schools, whereby a predetermined amount was divided among all charter schools on a per-pupil basis, was not equitable with other public schools in the district.  As a result, changes have been made and, when requested, exceptional student education services for charter schools and non-profit private schools, will now be provided in the same manner that they are in the district’s public schools. Amend $161,920.00 into Function 5200, Object 100 for salaries and $91,080.00 into Function 5200, Object 200 for benefits to provide these services.

Requests have been made for tutoring, sign language and Haitian-Creole interpreting, speech-language and physical therapy services outside normal school hours (including summer) to be provided by employees.  Amend $10,000.00 into Function 5200, Object 190 for reimbursement of these services.

The Superintendent recommends to amend the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Grant.

The Superintendent recommends approval to amend the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Grant.

The total project allotment for the IDEA Grant will not change as a result of this amendment request, and all expenditures will align with the current needs of the district.

Exceptional Student Education

RR/jb

10/27/08