The U.S. Congress has completed its work on a major revision to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). President Bush recently signed that legislation. There are sweeping revisions in some program areas covered by these revisions and others remain basically unchanged. Across all program areas covered by the federal funds, Arkansas may receive up to $55 million in new revenue. However, as a state, we must remain cautious in that these funds are budgeted, not appropriated at this point.
Prior to any new program funds being available or programs being revised at the state level, the U.S. Department of Education must engage in a process or rule making. States have been assured that this process will be streamlined to the extent possible and states will have an opportunity to participate in that rule-making process. Following rule making, states must develop a state plan or plans that become a contractual agreement for administration of the funds within the state. All of these steps will have to take place over the next few months before any definitive answers to questions from staff and schools regarding the impact of the new legislation at the state level and/or local level can be answered.
At this point answers to most questions about implementation of the new legislation and a time line for applications from local districts are speculation. Please be assured that the Arkansas Department of Education will move to implement this legislation as quickly as possible.