ITEMS OF INTEREST
The application period for voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) and school readiness plus (SRP) funding for fiscal year (FY) 2021 (school year 2020-21) opens on January 3, 2020, and is due on January 30, 2020. VPK sites funded for the first time in FY17 (school year 2016-17) will receive continued funding for their original number of seats; VPK/SRP sites funded for the first time in FY18, FY19, and FY20 will receive continued funding through June 30, 2021. All currently funded districts and charter schools interested in funding for FY21 must apply to be considered for available funding. Currently unfunded districts must apply to be considered for funding should additional funding become available. All districts are encouraged to apply to show interest in and demand for the program. Information about the application process is available on the Minnesota Department of Education VPK/SRP webpage. Contact MDE.VPK@state.mn.us. with questions.
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Due January 24, 2020. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is accepting applications for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Equipment Grant. This grant provides funding for School Food Authorities (SFAs) to purchase new equipment to assist in serving healthier meals that meet the updated NSLP meal pattern requirements. Other key details about the grant:
- Applicants may apply for only one piece of equipment costing between $3,000 and $25,000.
- Priority will be given to SFAs with 50 percent or more enrolled students who are eligible for free and reduced-price meals as of October 1, 2018.
- The grant period will be April 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020.
- An informational webinar will be offered December 23, 2019, and January 7, 2020. More information is provided on the Grant Opportunity webpage.
The full grant opportunity instructions, application and webinar registration are available at MDE’s Grant Opportunity webpage.
For any technical questions or issues with the application process, contact Timothy Larson, 651-582-8451.
For any questions about this specific grant, contact Kala Constant by January 15, 2020, 4 p.m., CST.
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Note: The FY 2019 Long-Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) Reconciliation process does not apply to charter schools.
Reference the November 6, 2019, FY 2019 LTFM Revenue – Final Review of Approved vs. UFARS Expenditure Reconciliation Memorandum and the December 18, 2019, FY 19 Appeal Process Requirements for FY 19 School District Requested Appeals.
All school districts are reminded to complete the final review of the two FY 2019 LTFM Reconciliation reports as soon as possible, but no later than January 6, 2020. All districts are required to respond to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Facilities email by the January 6 deadline and inform MDE of one of the following:
- Your school district has reviewed the FY19 LTFM Reconciliation Reports and agrees with the numbers; or
- Your school district has reviewed the FY19 LTFM Reconciliation Reports, but does not agree with the numbers and wishes to appeal. Appeal information and additional documentation to substantiate the appeal must be submitted no later than January 6, 2020, to be considered in final LTFM revenue authority.
If you have questions regarding the FY19 LTFM Revenue Reconciliation Reports, or the appeal process, contact Sarah C. Miller, 651-582-8370.
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