On August 3 Secretary Duncan announced that he would release the second wave of ARRA economic stimulus funds for ESEA Title I, IDEA Special Education, and Vocational Rehabilitation earlier than expected. The Secretary plans to release a total of $11.37 billion for the above-mentioned three programs to States BY SEPTEMBER 1, 2009. The release would be about one month earlier than previously indicated.
The first wave of federal ARRA Title I, Special Education, and Vocational Rehabilitation economic stimulus dollars were released to states on April 1, 2009. The Secretary hopes that the accelerated release of these funds may help States and districts expedite stimulus spending.” According to the U.S. Department of Education website, as of July 24, 2009 only 21.8% of the ARRA funds that have been sent out to states and local school districts had been spent. Wave two totals for the nation, to be released to states by September 1, 2009, include: ESEA Title I – $5 billion; IDEA Special Education – $6.1 billion, and Vocational Rehabilitation – $270 million.
Knowing that these economic stimulus monies may arrive sooner than expected may provide states and local school districts with greater fiscal flexibility as they plan for the new school year. Make sure your customers are aware that states will be receiving Wave Two of the above-named ARRA funds by the end of this month, so that when states send local school districts their respective shares, they may choose to spend some of it.
Read the Dept. of Ed. press release.
1 Response to “Dept. of Ed. to Release Second Wave of ARRA Funds Earlier than Expected”