With the passage of the funding bill for the remainder of 2017, we have entered the era of ESSA. This means all changes to equitable services and consultation are fully in force for the 2017-18 school year.

As you begin your planning this summer and enter consultations, keep in mind implementation is an ongoing process that requires our consistent and constant guidance and direction. A quick list of references:

In March, we discussed the Administration's "skinny budget" in CE News. Since then, the Department released its full budget, but not much changed for Catholic schools. We remain encouraged by the commitment to true parental choice (represented by a $250 million grant program); concerned about a Title I set-aside for government-school switchers along with increased charter funding; and eager to point out the positive benefits of Title II-A to Catholic school teachers.

It is also important to note the cold reception in Congress to the Education budget overall, but specifically to our areas of concern. As the appropriations process gets under way this summer, we will remain engaged with Congress on education spending levels and keep you informed on developments.