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| Question: |
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Who is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the strategy (Form C of the
Three-Year LEA At-Risk Plan) when the strategy is directly related to the non-profit,
non-government community agency? |
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| Answer: |
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The LEA superintendent is ultimately responsible for the expenditure of funds.
Therefore, the person appointed by the superintendent (i.e., at-risk
contact/coordinator) should oversee the implementation of all agreements
related to the 20% state at-risk funds. If outside agency expenditures are
inappropriate (i.e., food and/or drink purchases, or other), the LEA will be held
responsible. |
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| Question: |
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Faxing at-risk plan changes or reporting community service agency information after
initial plan submission may create problems. Should the LEA superintendent and/or
custodian of funds receive a copy of the changes submitted by the LEA at-risk
coordinator? How do we assure a "fax" becomes a part of the original plan? Is the
LEA notified? If "fax" information alters budget coding, what should be done? |
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| Answer: |
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The SDE staff believes that the LEA’s custodian of funds should receive a
copy of all changes. The superintendent will sign all changes and, therefore,
be informed. The at-risk contact/coordinator should carefully track all
information sent to the SDE by telephone, fax, or e-mail. Notices regarding the
approval of budget go to the LEA from the SDE Administrative and Financial
Services, LEA Accounting Section. A copy of those budget changes is also
received by the SDE's Prevention and Support Services Section. All budget
coding, including changes, should be approved by the school system's
assigned accountant from the SDE, LEA Accounting Section in cooperation
with the local custodian of funds. |
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| Question: |
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Is C.I.T.Y. considered an approved non-profit, non-government community agency
for 20% state at-risk funds? |
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| Answer: |
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No. LEAs receive both state foundation and at-risk funding for students
served by C.I.T.Y. programs based on the formula provided in the Alabama
Administrative Code, Chapter 290-2-1-.05, (1)At-Risk Allotment. C.I.T.Y.
programs also receive additional state funding through another state
government agency due to the legal status of the students at-risk they serve.
Additionally, the SDE considers C.I.T.Y. programs as alternative education
schools. |
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| Question: |
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If we partner with a non-profit, non-government agency (such as the National
Children's Advocacy Center in Huntsville), what about other "for profit and/or
government" agencies that they (the non-profit, non-government agency) may
partner with? Do we have to show Section 501(c)(3) status for NCAC and each of
the other agencies they partner with, if we utilize their services? |
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There should be no subcontracts unless there are highly extenuating
circumstances which are discussed with SDE staff prior to expenditure of
funds. However, if the SDE agrees to a subcontract, the subcontract must
meet the same guidelines as the LEA for non-profit and non-govermental
agency. To do otherwise could be construed as a circumvention of the
legislature's intent.
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| Question: |
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Our local BOE does not actually sign the minutes for a month after they approve the
non-profit, non-government community agencies for the 20% state at-risk funding.
In order to receive the 20% funding as soon as possible, may we send in an
unsigned copy of the minutes with the necessary supporting documents (Section
501(c)(3) status documentation, specific amount of funding received by each
approved agency, and the specific services provided) with a signed letter from the
superintendent stating that the BOE approved the 20% partnership and the LEA will
send the signed minutes the next month? |
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YES. |
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| Question: |
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During FY 2002 we used Eastside Mental Health Center in the Birmingham area and
contracted with their counselors and psychologists using 20% state at-risk funds.
This center would like to continue this partnership. Is Eastside Mental Health Center
considered a government agency? |
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Possibly. Please ask the center its status as a Section 501(c)(3) non-profit
agency. Additionally, they will need to provide a written statement verifying
their non-governmental status. If the center is able to document their nonprofit,
non-government status, then a LEA may consider partnering with this
specific agency with 20% state at-risk funds, based on prioritized needs
established from the LEA’s current FY 2003 need assessment. |
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| Question: |
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May 20% state at-risk funds be spent through a technical college to provide afterschool
tutoring and to provide a computer enrichment summer camp? |
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Yes, provided the technical college can provide you with documentation of
their non-profit status, Section 501(c)(3). |
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| Question: |
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Our LEA has contracted with Mental Health of Calhoun/Cleburne Counties for daytreatment
counseling for two years and it has worked well. Now, I assume they are
considered a government agency. We have no other community agencies in
Cleburne with which we can contract. I could contract with our Children's Policy
Council or Department of Human Resources (or through) them for private social
workers. This is one identified area of need from the needs assessment data.
Could the SDE give me some suggestions as to what I can do to utilize my 20%
state at-risk funding? |
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| Answer: |
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First, check with your mental health center to determine if they can document
their non-profit, Section 501(c)(3) status, and their non-government status. If
this agency can provide that documentation, then your LEA may consider
them for partnership utilizing 20% state at-risk funding, based on you FY 2003
at-risk needs assessment. The Department of Human Resources is a state
government agency, therefore would not qualify for partnership utilizing 20%
state at-risk funds. The Children's Policy Council is acceptable as a nonprofit,
non-government agency, as each of them is also seeking non-profit
status. For further assistance, please telephone the State At-Risk Specialist at
(334) 353-5766. |
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| Question: |
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The new state legislation states:
. . . "It is the intent of the Legislature that these funds not be utilized to partner with
governmental nor quasi-governmental agencies and entities whose functions
already include programs designated for at-risk funding . . . "
What if the agency is quasi-governmental but their function does not "already include
programs designated for at-risk funding?" Would they qualify for the 20% state at-risk
funds? |
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| Answer: |
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Please discuss each such program on an individual basis with the State At-
Risk Specialist at (334) 353-5766. Please be prepared to provide written
documentation supporting non-profit, Section 501(c)(3) status, and nongovernment
status when seeking SDE technical assistance. |
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| Question: |
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May my LEA receive state at-risk allocation information for specific schools in our
system? |
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| Answer: |
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LEAs may request state at-risk allocations for each school by contacting the
State At-Risk Specialist at (334) 353-5766. That information will be provided by
fax or regular mail. |
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