The Maine DOE is seeking comments from the public on its annual application for federal funds under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which covers services for preschool- and school-age children with disabilities.
Maine is required to complete an application for the IDEA Part B program annually. The General Education Provisions Act requires that the State publish each proposed application in a manner that will ensure circulation throughout the state at least 60 days prior to the date on which the plan is submitted or on which the plan becomes effective, with an opportunity for public comments to be accepted on the plan for at least 30 days.
The public including superintendents, special education directors and special education teachers are encouraged to review the application and submit comments.
The application, which covers Maine Fiscal Year 2016 (starting July 1, 2015), is posted on the Maine DOE’s IDEA web page. The Part B budget is projected on the basis of Maine’s award for State Fiscal Year 2015, pending the State’s receipt of the finalized federal award for the coming year.
Written comments will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28 and should be sent to Susan Corrente at susan.corrente@maine.gov or 23 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.
Last week, the Department announced it was seeking feedback on Maine’s IDEA Part C application. More information about that can be found here.