August 2022

INFLUX OF FEDERAL FUNDS IN CHARTER SCHOOLS   BCSB asked Stephanie Ataya, Statewide School Fiscal Officer with Marcum, to enlighten us on the influx of federal funds our schools are dealing with.   BCSB: “Are our schools struggling to figure out how best to use these one-time federal funds?”   Yes, for a multitude of reasons. Ohio’s Community schools are asking themselves difficult questions on grant fund spending while also navigating the mandatory COVID19 protocols, dealing with a 9.1% overall inflation rate of items, loss of enrollment, and staff retention. Add to that the onslaught of legislation and requirements from the state and you get the picture.   BCSB: “How are most charter schools spending this first round of federal dollars with a Sept. 30, 2022 deadline?”   1.  Salaries & wages to keep their teachers and staff 2.  Updating facilities (HVAC, asbestos removal, etc.) 3.  Technology (new computers)   BCSB: “Do you have concerns for the schools you work with?”   Yes, will a school be able to maintain those increased salaries once the dollars are gone? Can the school maintain and upgrade the technology as needed? Our schools are dealing with so many challenges on all fronts: Our economy is volatile; not enough staff; rising base salaries; supplies and materials are in short supply; increase in pre-COVID prices. More time is needed for spending the funds in addition to identifying a funding source to replace ESSER once it’s gone.   Taken from The 74 – America’s Education News Source, 7.25.22

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rod Hale, Chairman Eric Fankhauser, Founding Member & Vice President Gene Schuster, Secretary Winford Dearing, Treasurer Jackiethia Butsch James George FOUNDING MEMBER & ADMINISTRATOR Sally Perz

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LARGEST-EVER OF FEDERAL FUNDING  A recent Wall Street Journal article headline: “Schools Struggle to Spend Billions in Covid Aid” states this money is the largest-ever of federal funding - $122 billion – meant to address learning loss, mental-health problems and other issues in schools caused by the pandemic.  Districts are spending the money on teachers, counselors, technology, after-school programs and upgrades to school facilities, including installation of ventilation systems designed to inhibit the spread of the virus..   Funds not utilized by deadline will disappear. Across the country, many large districts are reporting they have not spent funds yet as some are still trying to use hundred million from other stimulus packages. Others cite supply-chain issues and are asking for an extension. Many say the short-term nature of the money makes it harder to use. ACCOUNTABILITY OF THOSE FEDERAL FUNDS   The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General currently employs a cadre of over 30 auditors, plus a criminal unit, all with a singular purpose: investigating how schools are using billions of dollars in K-12 pandemic relief funds.   Districts face increased scrutiny from federal and state officials as they move from planning how to use the $112 billion American Rescue Plan funds to signing contracts. But fear of audits has resulted in districts proceeding cautiously to spend funds meant to fix urgent problems.   “As compelling as it is to ask ‘Will this help our kids?’ the next question is ‘What will the auditors say about it?’ “ said Sheara Krvaric, co-founder of the Federal Education Group, a law firm specializing in federal K-12 programs..   By law, the funds have to be spent by Sept 2022, 2023 and finally end of Sept, 2024. Federal rules require districts receiving at least $750,000 in federal funds to undergo an audit.    The most recent interpretation from the USDOE says districts should use the funds to “emerge stronger post-pandemic” and address needs exacerbated by COVID.    Taken from The 74 – America’s Education News Source, 7.25.22

IMPROVING SCHOOL SAFETY The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) recently approved final guidelines for the state's school safety grant program. The latest capital budget provided $100 million to cover a new round of school safety grants for public, private and parochial schools. The grants can be used to pay for baseline security in school buildings, classrooms, parking lots and elsewhere on school property, as well as to cover security features such as visitor badging systems, facility mapping, school radio systems, GPS tracking on student transport vehicles, exterior lights, notification systems, security training and door locking systems. Through the program districts* can receive grants of up to $100,000 per school building for safety improvements and updates.  According to the guidelines, eligible schools that applied for, but did not receive, funding under the last capital appropriations bill may be able to receive an expedited grant award under this most recent program. *Each charter school is considered its own district.

BCSB's Annual Statewide Conference October 27-28, 2022 | Columbus, OH  More info to come!

This newsletter is underwritten by a generous grant from: The Board of Trustees of the Alternative Education Academy

Increasing the Knowledge, Skills and Effectiveness of Ohio's Charter School Boards (419) 385-0550 | info@buckeyecharterboards.org