To increase national
understanding of the Charter Schools Model by: (1) Providing financial
assistance for the design and initial implementation of charter schools; and
(2) evaluating the effects of such schools, including the effects on students,
student achievement, staff, and parents.
TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:
Project Grants. Place Cursor Here for Definition
USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:
Each State educational agency (SEA) receiving a grant should award sub-grants
to one or more eligible applicants in their State, enabling them to plan and
implement a charter school. Each eligible applicant, other than an SEA,
receiving funds from the Secretary or an SEA shall use the funds to plan and
implement a charter school.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Applicant Eligibility:
SEAs is States with specific statutes
authorizing charter schools are eligible. If an eligible State educational
agency elects not to participate in this program or does not have an approved
application, authorized public chartering agencies participating in partnerships
with charter school developers may apply.
Beneficiary Eligibility:
School administrators, teachers, and students
and their parents are beneficiaries.
None. This program is excluded from
coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure:
Contact the program office for application
information. Application notices are published in the Federal Register.
Award Procedure:
Contact the program office for this information.
Deadlines:
Deadlines are published in the Federal Register.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:
Approximately 120 days.
Appeals:
None.
Renewals:
To receive continuation funding, grantees must demonstrate
substantial progress toward meeting their goals and objectives. Renewals are
subject to the availability of funds.
ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:
Formula and Matching Requirements:
None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:
Grants are awarded for a period
of not more than 3 years, subject to the availability of funds.
POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Reports:
As part of the continuation funding process, grantees must
submit performance reports annually. The programs office will establish a due
date. Final performance reports must be submitted within 90 days after the end
of the grant award period.
Audits:
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133
(Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and
Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial
assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a
program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend
less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit
requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records:
Records must be maintained for three years after the fiscal
year in which the expenditure was made by the grantee, or until the grantee is
notified of the completion of the Federal fiscal audit. In all cases of audit
questions, records must be maintained until resolution has occurred.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Account Identification:
91-1000-0-1-501.
Obligations:
(Grants) FY 01 $190,000,000; FY 02 est $200,000,000; and
FY 03 est $200,000,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance:
In 2001, the average award
to SEAs was $3,000,000; to schools $75,000 to $100,000.
Grants made with fiscal year 2001 funds will support approximately 1,500
schools.
REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:
None.
INFORMATION CONTACTS:
Regional or Local Office:
Not applicable.
Headquarters Office:
Charter Schools Program, Office of School
Improvement Programs, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, FOBS, Room
3E122, 400 Maryland Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20202-6140. Contact: Donna Hoblit.
Internet: Donna.Hoblit@ED.GOV. Telephone: (202) 205-9178.
Web Site Address:
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE
EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:
Not available.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:
Selection criteria are contained in program statute. Contact the program
office for more information.
