In 2015, the federal Office of Special Education (OSEP) required the Maine Department of Education-Office of Special Services to revise its policies and procedures for excess cost determinations and for allocating federal funds consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
OSEP also required that the Maine Department of Education notify grant sub-recipients of the revisions under Criteria 1.1 and 2.2 of OSEP’s fiscal monitoring letter dated, October 27, 2015. The Maine Department of Education is hereby notifying all grant sub-recipients of the revisions as follows:
Criterion 1.1
- Child Development Services (CDS) received the correct sub-grant a local educational agency (LEA) in Federal fiscal years (FFYs) 2014 and 2015 under section 611 and section 619 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); and
- Allocations under IDEA 611 to eligible LEAs, including CDS, are consistent with 34 CFR
- §300.705(a).
Criterion 2.2
LEAs comply with the excess cost requirements in 34 CFR §300.16, 300.202(a)(2) and (b), and Appendix A to 34 CFR Part 300.
- Procedures to allocate the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act-Part B, sections 611-619 sub grants to eligible LEAs based upon the corrected formula;
- Procedures to ensure that LEAs use IDEA funds only to pay the excess costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities.
The Maine Department of Education is hereby notifying all LEAs that the Office of Special Services’ policies and procedures in these two areas are in compliance with federal requirements. No further action by the Maine Department of Education or Local Education Agencies is required. The link to OSEP’s letter of compliance can be found here:
http://www.maine.gov/doe/specialed/support/fiscal/documents/OSEPFindingsComplianceLetterDec2017.pdf
Questions may be directed to Janice E. Breton, State Director of Special Services, Birth – 20 at Janice.Breton@maine.gov.