November 1, 2011

TO THE ADMINISTRATOR ADDRESSED:

SUBJECT:      Congressional Reduction of Selected School Year 2011–2012 Federal Funds and Increase to Education Jobs Fund

Congressional Reduction of Selected School Year 2011–2012 Federal Funds

On September 30, 2011, Congress passed a fiscal Continuing Resolution for the federal fiscal year (FFY) 2012 appropriations bill that included a small decrease to the existing FFY 2011, which is school year (SY) 2011‑2012, allocations to states.

This estimated 1.5 percent reduction to the following federal program areas may have a small impact on SY 2011–2012 entitlements.

• ESEA, Title I, Part A
• ESEA, Title I, Part D, Subpart 2
• ESEA, Title I School Improvement
• ESEA, Title II, Part A
• IDEA
• Title I, Part C – Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act

Texas Education Agency (TEA) staff is currently analyzing the information provided by the various program offices at the US Department of Education (USDE) to determine the potential impact on currently awarded Notices of Grant Award (NOGAs) and NOGAs to be issued with the release of maximum entitlements later in the fall. Additional detailed information will be forthcoming once the actual impact on local educational agencies has been determined.

It is important to note that while USDE did initially indicate that some potential reductions could be taken in the following school year (SY 2012-2013), that initial guidance has been rescinded. The required reductions will impact the SY 2011–2012 entitlements.

If you have any questions concerning this potential small reduction in funding, please email the Division of Grants Administration at gafpc@tea.state.tx.us.

Education Jobs Fund Increase

On September 16, 2011, TEA received supplemental funds from USDE under the Education Jobs Fund (Ed Jobs) program. An approximate $18,900,000 is available for allocation to Ed Jobs grantees. Reallocation amounts for Ed Jobs grantees will be calculated within the next few weeks and will be posted online at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index4.aspx?id=5040&menu_id=2147483678.

No application is necessary to receive the additional Ed Jobs funds. Grantees will receive an amended NOGA via email that includes the reallocation funding, along with a revised NOGA transmittal letter. TEA will post a message via the Grants Administration and Federal Program Compliance (GAFPC) listserv to notify grantees that their amended 2010-2012 Ed Jobs NOGAs are being sent.

The purpose of the Ed Jobs grant program is to assist states in saving or creating education jobs. Jobs funded under this program are exclusively for school-level employees that provide educational and related services for early childhood, elementary, and secondary education.

For detailed information regarding allowable activities, please check the frequently asked questions (FAQ) posted in the “Texas Guidance” section of the Education Jobs Fund – Guidance webpage.

With questions concerning the Ed Jobs reallocation, please email the Division of Grants Administration at gafpc@tea.state.tx.us.

Sincerely,

 

 

Cory Green

Chief Grants Administrator

Office for Grants and Fiscal Compliance