What is an ombudsman?
To help ensure equitable services and other benefits for eligible private school children, teachers and other educational personnel, and families, a State educational association must designate an ombudsman to monitor and enforce equitable services requirements under both Title I and Title VIII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA sections 1117(a)(3)(B) and 8501(a)(3)(B)). The Ombudsman Corner provides helpful information and resources to assist State ombudsmen in fulfilling this role. Check out one recent Q & A from the Ombudsman Update here:
Question:
Do the percentage distribution requirements for Title IV, Part A (Title IV) subgrants apply to an LEA's total allocation (the portion to be spent on public schools plus the portion to be spent on equitable services for private school students), or just to the portion of an LEA's allocation that will be spent on public schools?
Answer:
Title IV
is a covered program under ESEA section 8501, so all LEAs receiving Title IV funds must meet the equitable participation requirements, using a portion of funds for services to private school students to address their needs as identified in meaningful consultation with private school officials. Title IV also requires LEAs to assure that they will spend certain percentages of their funds on each of three statutory content areas. The statute states that LEAs must "use not less than 20 percent of funds received under this subpart" for each of section 4107 (well-rounded education) and 4108 (safe and healthy students) and "use a portion of funds received under this subpart" for section 4109 (effective use of technology). This language "funds received under this subpart"- indicates that these distribution requirements apply to an LEA's total allocation. Accordingly, an LEA must meet the percentage distribution requirements based on its total allocation. LEAs have also asked whether the distribution requirements must, in addition, be met separately with the portion of funds spent for equitable services for private school students. There is no such requirement in the statute. The distribution requirements apply only to the LEA's total allocation.
Read
more by checking out the latest Ombudsman update from the US Dept of Education. These newsletters come out quarterly, and you can subscribe too by clicking here.
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