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To: Superintendents, Business Managers, All sponsors of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) School Breakfast Program (SBP) National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Sponsors of the Special Milk Program (SMP), Education Partner Leaders and Communicators, K-12 Public Information Officers
From: Kai Turner, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Finance and Information Technology
Date: January 30, 2025
Re: Federal Grant Claims and Uncertainty
Over the past few weeks, uncertainty has grown regarding how new federal mandates may impact public schools, community based organizations and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). This week has brought rapid changes, including new guidance, an administrative stay, and reports of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo being rescinded.
What This Means for Education Funding
ODE is actively coordinating with the Governor’s Office, the Oregon Department of Justice, and education partners to assess the situation and mitigate potential impacts. We are closely monitoring guidance from the OMB, the U.S. Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and will provide updates as new information becomes available.
At this time, there are no immediate changes or impacts to ODE-administered federal funding. However, ODE is taking proactive steps to ensure school districts, community based organizations, grantees, and partners can access federal reimbursements for outstanding expenditures should a funding freeze occur.
Additionally, state-appropriated grant funds remain unaffected, and those programs will continue as outlined in your agreements with ODE.
Enhanced Federal Drawdown Process
Due to ongoing uncertainty, the Office of Finance and Information Technology (OFIT) is increasing the frequency of federal drawdowns for the foreseeable future. While our Accounting Services team typically processes federal drawdowns twice weekly, we will now conduct daily drawdowns from all federal portals whenever we have qualifying expenditures to apply to each grant award.
To ensure timely reimbursements, I encourage you to submit your Electronic Grant Management System (EGMS) claims more frequently if you have applicable federal expenditures. All grant managers within ODE are aware of this internal process adjustment to help keep districts and partners financially stable.
Child Nutrition Programs
The Oregon Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs (ODE CNP) will conduct a secondary claim processing on Friday. During this time, claims will be closed from 12 PM to 4 PM. OFIT will continue working closely with Child Nutrition Program leadership to monitor claims through CNPweb and drawdown funds as needed.
Looking Ahead
I understand the urgency of this situation and the concerns it raises. Please know that ODE leadership is closely monitoring developments and taking all necessary steps to mitigate potential disruptions.
As the federal situation continues to evolve, OFIT is working closely with the Agency Director and Chief of Staff to be prepared. We are also coordinating with the Governor’s Office and the Department of Justice to ensure they have the latest information.
Thank you for your dedication to Oregon’s children and families during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Kai Turner
Assistant Superintendent, Office of Finance and Information Technology
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