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March 29, 2023
Prior editions of the ESEA Update can be found on the MDE ESEA Federal Title Programs webpage. "ICYMI'" means "in case you missed it" and highlights when a topic is a repeat from a prior ESEA Update.
Timeline Reminders
Check out the Timeline for ESEA Title Program Applications in SERVS document on the ESEA Grant Application Tools webpage.
Upcoming Dates:
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March 1–April 30, 2023: ESEA Title applications amendment window
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May 2023: Anticipated open date of School Fiscal Year 024 (SFY24) ESEA Consolidated Application in the Minnesota Education Grants System (MEGS) for finance codes 401, 406, 414, 417, 433.
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May 2023: Anticipated publication date of Federal Fiscal Year 2023 (FFY23)/SFY24 ESEA Title program awards for finance codes 401, 406, 414, 417, and 433.
FFY23/SFY24 Preliminary Awards Update
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has released the preliminary ESEA Title awards for FFY23/SFY24. It takes approximately eight weeks from when the awards are released by ED until preliminary allocations are available on the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) webpage. MDE is working with the MN.IT team to complete calculations as quickly as possible and we anticipate these will be available by early May.
Overall, Minnesota's FFY23/SFY24 allocations in ESEA Title programs are less than in FFY22/SFY23. District and charter school leaders are encouraged to plan for a 5-10% decrease in ESEA Title funding (finance codes 401, 406, 414, 417, and 433) with some LEAs getting an increase and some an even larger decrease.
Contact Alicia Waeffler if you have questions about ESEA Title allocations.
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Free School Meals for Kids Bill Signed Into Law
Governor Walz signed the Free School Meals for Kids bill on Friday, March 17. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is excited to implement this program for our students in Minnesota. This legislation provides state reimbursement for a free breakfast and lunch to all students at schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP). The Free School Meals for Kids Program will start on July 1, 2023.
MDE will create a new webpage under Food and Nutrition Services, within the School Nutrition Programs section. This is where we will post information, guidance, training opportunities and other resources. We will also send out a series of email bulletins. If you already receive the School Nutrition Program bulletin, you will receive these updates. If not, subscribe to our bulletin or visit the Connect with Us webpage to see archived bulletins.
Any questions on the Free School Meals program should be directed to mde.fns@state.mn.us.
Free School Meals for Kids Bill Impact on ESEA Title Programs
ESEA Title funds and services are not dependent on free or reduced price meal eligibility status for traditional school districts. More information about Title I, Part A allocations can be found on the ESEA Title Programs website or by contacting mde.esea@state.mn.us.
Additionally, the FFY23/SFY24 calculations use October 1, 2022, data, so there are no immediate (SFY24) implications for any ESEA Title program, including traditional public school districts, public Charter schools, and nonpublic equitable services.
Contact Alicia Waeffler if there are questions about ESEA Title allocations.
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Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers – Cohort 9 Competition
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is pleased to announce that the application for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center (21CCLC) grant competition is available to apply for funding for Cohort 9.
The purpose of the funding is to create or expand community learning centers that provide high-quality academic support, enrichment and youth development programs during non-school hours and summers.
- Provide opportunities for academic enrichment to help students, particularly students attending low-performing schools, meet state and local academic standards.
- Offer students a broad array of additional services, programs, and activities that are designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program of participating students.
- Offer families of students served by community learning centers opportunities for active and meaningful engagement in their children’s education, including opportunities for literacy and related educational development.
Public and private organizations targeting students enrolled in schools eligible for Title I schoolwide programs are invited to apply. This includes Minnesota’s 11 federally recognized tribes and American Indian organizations, public schools, private schools, charter schools, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, non-profit agencies and for-profit corporations. Current and previously funded 21st CCLC grant recipients are eligible to apply. Individuals are not eligible to apply. See the grant opportunity instructions document for specific eligibility criteria.
MDE estimates that $7.5 million is available to fund grants statewide. Grants will not be made in an amount less than $50,000 per year. There is no maximum grant award amount. The state reserves the right to offer grant awards in amounts that might differ from the applicant’s request.
The term of the initial grant period is anticipated to be from September 1, 2023 until August 31, 2026. There is an option for a three-year renewal award. Renewal awards are contingent upon progress made during the initial grant period, continued funding and priorities of the department.
How to Apply
Applications are due by May 1, 2023, no later than 5 p.m. The application materials for this grant opportunity are available on the competitive grant opportunities page of the MDE website.
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ICYMI: ESEA Title Applications Amendment Window Open
Districts and charter schools are able to make changes to their ESEA Title program applications between March 1 and April 30, 2023. This is the final opportunity to add or delete object codes and make any programmatic changes to the application.
All amendments must be signed by the IOwA and submitted for review by April 30. The "Signature Pending" status is not considered submitted and late amendment submissions cannot be accepted.
An application should be amended when one or more of these factors are present for a specific program or LEA:
- Final awards loaded into SERVS resulted in increased or decreased funds available.
- The LEA needs to revise the Nonpublic Equitable Share and/or update the related Affirmation of Consultation and Agreement.
- The LEA contact information, including phone extensions, needs to be updated to reflect changes in staff.
- The LEA was asked by the grant reviewer during the approval process this fall to revise their application during the spring amendment window.
- The LEA's plan changed and now needs updated object codes, edited or adjusted narrative, modified budget justifications or changed budget amounts.
Note: Be sure to make coordinating changes to Narrative responses when items are changed in the budget. Budgeted items must be part of the written plan as outlined in the Narrative responses.
Email mde.esea@state.mn.us if there are questions.
ICYMI: Final Deadline Approaching – Minnesota COVID-19 School Testing Grants
The Minnesota COVID-19 School Testing Grant, FIN 170, is currently active and all school districts and charter schools that have applied and accepted funding are encouraged to begin drawing down funds from SERVS at this time and regularly throughout the year.
The final draw deadline for FIN 170 is July 22, 2023. All budget items that need MDE approval must be submitted by July 15, 2023. It is important that all funds are drawn by July 22, 2023, given the federal CDC grant deadline. If your district or charter school does not intend to spend the entirety of your FIN 170 award, please notify mde.testing@state.mn.us right away.
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Upcoming Training Opportunities
Join the MDE Student Access and Opportunity staff for upcoming trainings. All links to join can be found on the MDE Calendar. There is no need to register unless otherwise noted.
Wraparound Services for Students Experiencing Homelessness Statewide Competitive Grant Program for Community Based Organizations
This webinar provides prospective applicants an opportunity to learn more from MDE staff about this competitive grant program.
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New to ESEA Title Programs Networking Session – April
Join the Student Access and Opportunity team for a monthly two-hour session in support of school district and charter school leaders who are new to managing ESEA Title Programs. These sessions on the second Monday of the month will cover all-things related to the implementation of activities funded by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Each session will include new learning and ample time for questions, answers, and networking.
Developing a Schoolwide Program, Part 3 of 3, Preparing to Implement Changes
This final workshop in the series will be used to fine tune your comprehensive school improvement plan, fill in the missing elements critical for success and consider how to prepare staff and families for its effective implementation and a different mindset about being a Title I school. Schools will share plans and give feedback and support to others as we work to improve all plans.
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English Learner Coordinator Webinar
The English Learner (EL) Coordinator webinars are monthly web events for new and experienced EL program leaders and coordinators in Minnesota. Monthly topics vary and are based on timely information from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions to EL Education Specialists and others from MDE during each webinar.
Migrant Student Information Form (MSIF) Workshop
In this brief virtual meeting, participants will be supported to complete the MSIF including all the required minimum data elements for migratory students. This training is specifically prepared for district staff designated to enter data for migratory children (e.g., migrant liaison or other staff).
To join a session, select from the following:
Making Connections for Migratory Students Training
This workshop will give you a brief overview of the Migrant Education Program. During this training, participants will have the opportunity to meet members of the Minnesota Migrant Education Program team and discuss collaboration efforts and ways to help remove barriers for highly mobile families. Participants will learn about expectations of the migrant liaison, tools and resources available for school districts, reporting requirements, and learn how to advocate for migratory students. Whether or not you are a migrant liaison, this training will support you in advocating for migratory children who may enroll in your district or charter school.
Registration is available at the following links:
- April 6, 2023, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Register for the April 6, 2023, Making Connections session.
- May 17, 2023, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Register for the May 17, 2023, Making Connections session.
- June 8, 2023, 1–3 p.m. Register for the June 8, 2023, Making Connections session.
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