Voluntary Public School Choice
Examples of Funded Projects
Grant funds support: planning and implementation costs associated with new programs; tuition transfer payments to public schools that students choose to attend; and efforts to strengthen the capacity and quality of schools to meet the demand for choice and provide equitable access to such programs.
The Department of Education ensures equal access to education and promotes educational excellence through coordination, management and accountability in Federal education programs. The Department works to supplement and complement educational efforts on all levels, encouraging increased involvement by the public, parents and students.
Program Accomplishments
Fourteen new awards were made in fiscal year 2007.
Uses and Use Restrictions
An eligible entity that receives a grant under this subpart may use the grant funds for: (1) planning or designing a program (for not more than 1 year); (2) the cost of making tuition transfer payments to public elementary schools or secondary schools to which students transfer under the program; (3) the cost of capacity-enhancing activities that enable high-demand public elementary schools or secondary schools to accommodate transfer requests under the program; (4) the cost of carrying out public education campaigns to inform students and parents about the program; and (5) other costs reasonably necessary to implement the program.
An eligible entity that receives a grant under this subpart may not use the grant funds for school construction.
The eligible entity may use not more than 5 percent of the funds made available through the grant for any fiscal year for administrative expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
State educational agencies (SEAs); local educational agencies (LEAs); or a partnership of either 1(a)one or more SEAs; (b) one or more LEAs or other public, for-profit, or nonprofit entities; and 2(a) one or more LEAs and (b) one or more public, for-profit, or nonprofit entities may apply.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Public school students.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Not applicable.
This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.
12372.
"Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedures
Applications must be prepared and submitted in accordance with a notice published in the Federal Register. By the due date, eligible applicants must submit to the Department of Education a complete application that addresses the purposes of the program, the selection criteria, and any priorities included in the application notice, and includes all required assurances and signatures.
Award Procedures
The Department of Education awards these grants on a competitive basis. The program office notifies successful applicants of awards, negotiates final budgets, and awards grants. Contact the program office for more information.
Deadlines
Deadlines will be published in the Federal Register. Contact the program office for application deadlines and information.
Authorization
Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended; Title V, Part B, Subpart 3; 20 U.S.C. 7225-7225g.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
The range of approval/disapproval time is approximately 60 to 120 days following the application deadline.
Appeals
The General Education Provisions Act hearing procedures regarding recovery of funds are applicable to this program.
Renewals
Continuation awards are subject to the availability of appropriations.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Awards may be made for up to five years. Continuation awards are subject to the availability of appropriations.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Each eligible entity receiving a grant under this program annually shall submit to the Secretary a report of its operations and activities.
Audits
The financial records of each eligible entity receiving a grant under this subpart shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and shall be subject to an annual audit by an independent public accountant.
Records
In accordance with the General Education Provisions Act and the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), certain records must be retained for three years after the end of the grant.
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-0204-0-1-501.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $26,278,000; FY 08 est $25,819,000; and FY 09 est $25,819,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
The average award in fiscal year 2007 was $1,844,000. Range of new awards: $95,600 - $2,700,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), Parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Department of Education, OII Parental Options and Information 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Washington DC 20202-6140. Contact: Iris Lane, E-mail: iris.lane@ed.gov Telephone (202) 260-1999.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
The selection criteria contained in EDGAR, 34 CFR 75.209 and 75.210 are used to evaluate applications.
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