TO THE ADMINISTRATOR ADDRESSED:
Subject: Prekindergarten and Kindergarten Grants Authorized by Senate Bill 4
Article 2 of Senate Bill 4, as passed by the 76th Texas State Legislature, provides authorization for a new prekindergarten and kindergarten grant program. This legislation, which will take effect on September 1, 1999, allows school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to apply to the Texas Education Agency for funds to: (1) expand existing half-day prekindergarten or kindergarten programs to a full day, and (2) establish new prekindergarten programs at campuses which previously did not operate such a program. Funds may be used to employ teachers and other personnel and acquire curriculum materials or equipment, including computers, for use in prekindergarten and kindergarten programs.
In the first funding cycle of this program, monies may be used to expand existing half-day prekindergarten programs to a full day. An additional funding cycle will be used to award funds to plan and implement new prekindergarten programs as well as expanded (full day) prekindergarten and kindergarten programs. A Request for Applications (RFA) will automatically be mailed to all school districts and open-enrollment charter schools for each funding cycle of this grant program.
The authorizing legislation for this initiative requires that selection priority be given to school districts and open-enrollment charter schools where the level of performance on the third grade Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) tests is significantly below the state average. Funding priority for prekindergarten programs will also be given to applicants that serve high percentages of eligible (limited English proficient, educationally disadvantaged, or homeless) children.
School districts and open-enrollment charter schools may apply to the Texas Education Agency for funding in accordance with guidelines established by the Agency. These requirements are summarized in the enclosed guidance document. The Request for Applications will soon be mailed to all school districts and open-enrollment charter schools. Please note all requirements and timelines in the enclosed guidance document and forthcoming Request for Applications.
The Texas Legislature allocated $100 million to this grant program for each year of the biennium (1999-2000 and 2000-2001 school years), representing a total of $200 million in state funds. The enclosed guidance document contains information on coordination of these monies with federal (Title I, Part A) funds for prekindergarten and kindergarten programs.
Questions about the Prekindergarten and Kindergarten Grant Program should be addressed to Cathy Cox, School Finance and Fiscal Analysis, telephone (512) 463-5085. Questions about prekindergarten and kindergarten curriculum and programs should be addressed to Cami Jones, Curriculum and Professional Development, telephone (512) 463-9501. I encourage you to take advantage of this resource to provide Texas’ children with an important early start towards excellence in academic achievement.
Sincerely,
Ron McMichael
Deputy Commissioner for Finance and Accountability
For further information on this topic, contact Cathy Cox, School Finance and Fiscal Analysis, telephone (512) 463-5085 or Cami Jones, Curriculum and Professional Development, telephone (512) 463-9501.