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"December, being the last month of the year, cannot help but make us think of what is to come."
― Fennel Hudson
December unfurls its final chapter, beckoning us to pause, reflect and embark upon a new journey. This is the season when we gather the threads of our past year's efforts, weaving them into the fabric of our dreams and aspirations for the year ahead.
Take some time to celebrate your accomplishments thus far, and then cast your gaze forward, embracing the limitless potential that lies on the horizon. Let’s make the coming year an inspiring journey of transformation, growth and success for the students and families we serve.
Tentative 2024-2025 Census Poverty and Hold Harmless Rates Coming in January
Be on the lookout for an explanation of tentative census poverty data and tentative hold harmless rates.
The numbers are issued to the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) in December by the U.S. Department of Education (USED). In turn, KDE analyzes and issues them in a notification posted in the Commissioner’s Monday Message and through direct email to district Title I coordinators in early January.
The hold harmless rates are set by USED and based on the tentative poverty percentages derived from U.S. Census Bureau data. Please note that tentative poverty percentages provided by the Census Bureau are not reflective of data available to the district or KDE (such as free- and reduced-price lunch data).
Districts can multiply the hold harmless rate by the current year’s Title I, Part A allocation to produce an estimate of their 2024-2025 school year Title I, Part A allocation for planning purposes. It is highly recommended each district carefully review the information included in the document upon issuance.
When you receive the notification email, bear in mind that all data is tentative and is provided for planning purposes only. It does not represent your district’s final Title I, Part A allocation for the next school year.
An in-depth review of hold harmless rates is available in the New Title I Coordinator Training Webinar available on KDE's Title I, Part A Documents and Resources webpage.
For more information, contact your Title I, Part A consultant.
Don't Use Title I Funds to Pay for Entertainment Costs
As winter break approaches, many schools will be hosting holiday events such as performances and celebrations. A recent ESEA Now article entitled "Don’t use Title I to pay for school winter pageant" is a reminder that federal funds should not be used to pay for entertainment costs.
2 CFR 200.438 states that costs of entertainment – including amusement, diversion, social activities and any associated costs – are unallowable. There are some circumstances in which a cost which would otherwise be considered entertainment may be allowable. If the proposed expenditure is included in the approved Title I, Part A application or the district has received prior written approval from KDE, it is allowable.
Districts are responsible for ensuring that Title I events hosted by schools meet the intent and purpose of the Title I, Part A program.
Monitoring Update
Consolidated monitoring notifications were sent to 10 districts on Oct. 20. Monitoring will begin in January.
The district consolidated monitoring checklist, the schoolwide program consolidated monitoring checklist and the targeted assistance program consolidated monitoring checklist are used in the consolidated monitoring process to evaluate compliance and effectiveness of Title I, Part A activities.
Additionally, 11 districts were recently notified of their selection for Title I desk monitoring. These districts are submitting evidence and KDE Title I consultants will soon begin reviewing the documentation. The desk monitoring checklist is used in the desk monitoring process for the evaluation of Title I, Part A activities.
Whether selected for monitoring or not, Title I coordinators can use these checklists to self-assess and monitor their programs and ensure they are keeping documentation to address each of the monitoring indicators. The Title I, Part A Documentation Training Webinar provides an overview of the monitoring checklists, as well as examples of documentation that may be saved to demonstrate compliance.
In Case You Missed It – Don’t Neglect to Record All Required Inventory Information
ESEA Now published an article on Oct. 16 entitled "Don't neglect to record all required inventory information."
The article emphasizes the importance of collecting and retaining records of property purchased using federal funds.
During the Title I consolidated monitoring process, KDE will ask to review how the district safeguards all assets purchased with Title I funds to ensure they are used solely for authorized purposes. We ask for internal controls, including an inventory of Title I purchases where applicable. [See Every School Succeeds Act (ESSA) 8306(a)(6)(B), Parts 76 and 200 of EDGAR, 2 CFR 200.302 and 2 CFR 200.318.]
Take some time to review the article linked above, as well as KDE’s guidance on Safeguarding Assets Purchased with Title I Funds to ensure that all necessary information is captured in your process for inventory management of federally purchased items.
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