February 13, 2025

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. 

In this Edition

• Timeline Reminders
• Federal Funding Reimbursement Request Reminder

• Final FFY24/SFY25 Allocations Loaded in MEGS

• Upcoming Training Opportunities 

Timeline Reminders

Review the SFY25 Timeline for the ESEA Consolidated Application in MEGS.

Upcoming Dates:

• April 30, 2025: Optional Spring Amendment Window closes at 3 p.m., final date to make an amendment to the SFY25 ESEA Consolidated Application. Object codes cannot be added and budgeted amounts cannot be modified after this date. Final opportunity to edit project outcomes, including strategic goals. 

Federal Funding Reimbursement Request Reminder

Local educational agencies (LEAs) should always follow accounting best practices when requesting reimbursement for federal funds. Most federal funds operate on a reimbursement basis, meaning LEAs must receive the goods and services, properly document receipt and inventory, pay using funds on hand, and then request reimbursement. LEAs are not permitted to draw down money in anticipation of future funding needs; recipients of federal education funds must certify they will adhere to cash management requirements under 2 CFR 200.305.

Historically, some Minnesota LEAs have waited until year end or during their financial audits to make reimbursement requests, especially from Elementary and Secondary Education (ESEA) and Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) programs. LEAs are strongly encouraged to make timely reimbursement requests, preferably monthly and at least quarterly. All expenditures for the first quarter (July 1– September 30) of the state fiscal year (SFY) must be requested separately from service dates of October 1 through June 30 due to the federal fiscal year (FFY) starting on October 1 and reporting requirements related to the FFY cycles.

At a minimum, LEAs should consider requesting reimbursement now for expenditures in the first quarter of SFY25, which covers services and goods received and paid for from July 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024. Beyond that, LEAs should also consider making requests for services and goods received and paid for between October 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024. Moving forward, it is recommended that LEAs make timely requests for reimbursement to stay up to date with the services and goods received.

Questions about how to make a reimbursement request can be directed to MEGS.MDE@state.mn.us. Inquiries related to allowable uses of federal funds or approved work plans/budgets should be routed to the appropriate Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) program office:

ICYMI: Final FFY24/SFY25 Allocations Loaded in MEGS The final federal fiscal year (FFY) 2024/state fiscal year (SFY) 2025 award adjustments have been posted on the MDE ESEA Title Programs webpage and loaded into the Minnesota Education Grants System (MEGS). LEAs will see either an increase (+) or decrease (-) in funds on the "Allocations/Transfers" tab in the "Award Adjustment" row for each program, depending on the final calculations, as compared to the preliminary awards loaded in May 2024 ("Initial Award" in MEGS). Some users will need to follow the on-screen directions in MEGS to view the newly loaded funds if the application is in a locked status (Locked, Consistency Check Passed, Submitted for Local Review, Submitted, or Final Approved). Unlocking the application or creating an amendment will update the "Allocations/Transfers" tab.  Districts should plan to make adjustments to their budgets before April 30 at 3 p.m.  Contact mde.esea@state.mn.us with questions about the final FFY24/SFY25 allocations.

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.

Title Tuesdays

Learn about topics that apply to many ESEA Title programs. 

• Join the February 18 Title Tuesday session from 10 to 11 a.m.

Refugee and Immigrant Education (RIEN) Network

We invite school and district partners, community leaders, refugee resettlement organizations and state agencies to attend the first convening of the Refugee and Immigrant Education Network (RIEN). This network is dedicated to strengthening collaboration on educational programs and services that support refugee and immigrant families in Minnesota. RIEN’s mission is to highlight the experiences of students and families within K-12 public education and multicultural communities, addressing challenges and finding solutions together. The network shares resources and explores opportunities to improve education for all refugee and immigrant families. Minnesota has long been home to thriving immigrant communities. RIEN was established in response to the resettlement of Ukrainian refugees and will continue to focus on all refugee-experienced and immigrant communities across the state. Join us as we work to improve educational outcomes and supports for these students and their families.

• Join the February 19 RIEN session from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

McKinney-Vento Best Interest Determination and School Selection

In this interactive webinar, presenters will review McKinney-Vento provisions related to determining the best interest of a student in terms of school selection (local school or school of origin).

• Join the February 27 McKinney-Vento session from 2 to 4 p.m.

Foster Care POC Network Office Hours

Providing Districts and Charter Schools points of contact (POC) a space to come and find answers for their questions.

• Join the March 5 Foster Care POC session from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Language Access Plan

Based on changes in state law, districts and charter schools are required to adopt a Language Access Plan that specifies the district's process and procedures to render effective language assistance to students and adults who communicate in a language other than English. This Language Access Plan must be available to the public and included in the school’s handbook. District and charter school leaders should identify a team who will write the Language Access Plan for their district or charter to attend these training sessions. 

• Join the March 6 Language Access Plan session from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

New to ESEA Title Programs Networking Session

Each meeting 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.

• Join the March 10 New to ESEA Session from 10 a.m. to noon

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