Pennsylvania received $471 million in funding from Washington. However, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) created its own set of rules to distribute that money in a manner that blatantly ignores federal guidance. Gov. Wolf and the PA Department of Education are looking to take most of the funding that Congress wants distributed equitably to ALL students. The end result significantly lowers the amount of money to be passed onto Christian schools and non-public school students.

Congress set aside approximately $3 billion of the $30.75 billion allotted to the Education Stabilization Fund through the CARES Act for the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEERF).  The Department will award these grants ­to States (governor’s offices) based on a formula stipulated in the legislation. (1) 60% on the basis of the State’s relative population of individuals aged 5 through 24. (2) 40% on the basis of the State’s relative number of children counted under section 1124(c) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA).

This meeting covered the Equitable Service Ombudsman as required under ESEA sections 1117 (a)(3)(B) and 8501 (a)(3)(B), reviewed statewide consultation meetings, including the goal for each consultation, the transferability of authority and equitable participation, guidance and upcoming trainings.

Please read the following attachment for more information regarding the NP Quarterly meeting.

Congress Passes COVID-19 Coronavirus Response Act.
 
On March 18, the Senate passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.  

This is designed to address the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on American families.  It introduces a federal mandated paid sick leave and temporarily expands the Family and Medical Leave Act.  For ACSI Christian schools this does apply; there is no exemption for private employers or nonprofits.  This will go into effect on April 2 and expires December 31, 2020.  It has two provisions that impact our Christian Schools.  

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced that the Department of Education is taking several concrete actions to protect religious liberty and ensure the Department is acting in accordance with the First Amendment.

Administrators are encouraged to take advantage of important funds available to all Christian Schools. Many Christian Schools around the country are receiving connectivity discounts for internet, WIFI, and other infrastructure improvements at a rate of several hundred dollars a student. Because of the New Rules Released recently there will be a continuation of these funds, and internal connections next year.

Rep. Mike Turzai’s House Bill 1800, will bring school choice to students in the struggling Harrisburg School District. ACSIPA is requests that you contact your State Representative immediately and ask them to support
 
Test scores for the students in the district have been among the lowest in Pennsylvania for years. And for the second time in a decade, the school has been put in state receivership.
 

ACSIPA Budget Update from PACAPE July, 2019

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July 2019

U.S. Sentator Pat Toomey asks Governor Wolf to support the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and HB 800 that would raise the cap for credits available to $100 million.

Governor Wolf has indicated that he plans to veto the bill.

Read Pat Toomey's letter here.

Christian school administrators can request Title II, Part A funds. Local educational agencies  (LEA) are fiscally responsible agents that ensure the disbursement of these funds are in accordance with federal guidelines.

For an overview of the request process and the guidelines required please follow the attached funding guide.