Special Education

Release of Second Portion of ARRA-IDEA Funds

ARRA-IDEA funds are being released in two portions, and these two portions combined make up a district's total ARRA-IDEA allocation for FY10 and FY11. A district that plans to expend some of this second portion of funds in FY10 may now amend to increase its current FY10 ARRA-IDEA grant to the appropriate amount. A district that is not planning to use any of the second portion of funding in FY10 is not required to file a grant amendment at this time.

We are working with the Office of the State Comptroller to develop a simplified process to transition funds and activities from FY10 to FY11. Additional information on this topic will be provided to you in the spring.

Please remember the following:

1. Districts should only apply for amounts that they will be able to spend in FY10.
2. By this time in the year, each district should have submitted an application for at least some of its first portion of ARRA-IDEA funds.
3. ARRA-IDEA spending can only occur after approval from the Department.

The purpose of the ARRA-IDEA federal grant program is to fund activities that will advance ARRA's short- and long-term economic goals. Activities funded through the ARRA-IDEA grant must be designed to help ensure that students with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to meet each student's unique needs and to prepare each student for further education, employment, and independent living.

The allocation information, electronic Requests for Proposals, and instructions for amendments are posted on our website.