Correction: ESEA Federal Programs Update - February 13, 2024

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February 13, 2024

This version includes a correction to the date and time of the upcoming ESSER and GEER Grant Survey for FY2023 Federal Reporting session on February 21 from 8 to 9:30 a.m.

Correction: ESEA Federal Title Programs Update

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

Review the SY24 Timeline for ESEA Applications in MEGS and SERVS.

Review the SY24 Timeline for ESSER III Applications in MEGS and SERVS

Upcoming Dates:

  • Soon! MDE is working with our MN.IT partners to finalize the FFY23/SFY24 allocations and load them into MEGS. An email will be sent to the Business Manager listed in MDE ORG when these are loaded. 
  • March 15, 2024: ESEA Title Application Spring Amendment Window Opens. Reference the ESEA Consolidated Application in MEGS Submission Checklist to learn what may be edited during this window. Note: All object codes must be entered into MEGS by April 30 in order to be reimbursed. The object class (100, 200, 300, etc.) under each finance code needs to be within 10% of spending. It is recommended LEAs review their applications an ensure their plans and spending are in alignment.

Updated English Learners in Minnesota Report Available

The Minnesota Department of Education, Student Access and Opportunity Division, annually reports data on students in grades K-12 identified as English learners. If you have questions about the most recently published English Learners in Minnesota Report, please contact MDE.EL@state.mn.us.


Title III, Part A: Intent to Form a Consortium

Under Section 3114(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Act 1965 as amended by Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), a state educational agency (SEA) shall not award a Title III subgrant to a local educational agency (LEA) if the amount is less than $10,000. Local educational agencies that do not meet the $10,000 threshold may form a consortium to qualify for these funds. LEAs that are interested in forming a consortium must agree and commit to the consortium for three years. The LEAs must designate a member of the group to serve as the fiscal agent. The fiscal agent is responsible for submitting the Title III Notice of Intent to Form a Consortium by March 8, 2024. For additional information, review the Title III Consortium Guidelines or email the Minnesota Department of Education

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Requirement Reminder: Public Districts Provide Nonpublic Equitable Services

In providing equitable nonpublic services, the local public educational agency (LEA) is required by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to maintain control of ESEA Title funds and all items purchased with these funds. [ESEA sections 1117(d)(1) and 8501(d)(1)]

The LEA, not the nonpublic school, is the recipient of the federal funds and is responsible for ensuring the allowable use of federal funds. Nonpublic school officials have no authority to obligate ESEA Title funds.

All expenditures must be consistent with a prior agreement developed during consultation. Individual staff of the nonpublic school may be reimbursed for allowable expenses that are approved in advance by an authorized LEA administrator but no ESEA Title funds can ever be paid to the nonpublic school, even as reimbursement of an allowable activity.

District leaders may find the information and linked resources on the ESEA Nonpublic Participation webpage helpful as they provide these services. 


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.

McKinney-Vento Act 101 in Our Schools

Learn the basics of homeless liaison responsibilities, including identifying students and connecting to resources through McKinney-Vento, ARP-HCY, Title IA and other sources.

Title Tuesday – February 

Learn about topics that apply to many Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Title programs. View the MDE Calendar for the link to this month’s session. The topic for February is determining allowability under ESEA Title programs and is often one of our most-requested topics. Join us! 

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ESSER and GEER Grant Survey for FY2023 Federal Reporting

Join MDE staff for technical assistance in completing the required survey for federal reporting on the ESSER and GEER grants. There are significant changes to the required data from the federal government for FY23 reporting. This webinar will prepare you to complete the required survey. This session will be offered on both Feb. 21 and Feb. 27.

Foster Care Point of Contact Network

The Foster Care Point of Contact (POC) Network is a statewide community of practice centered on ensuring district and charter school POCs know and understand key roles and responsibilities in supporting educational stability for students in foster care. Participants will collaborate with peers and statewide partners to share learning and leverage effective, evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes.

Class Size Reduction: Applying Federal Requirements when Using Title II, Part A Funds

Participants will learn the four requirements and the information needed to use Title II, Part A funds to reduce the size of a class. This session will be offered on both Feb. 27 and Feb. 28. 

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