The Department of Education receives an annual appropriation that includes funds to support the employment of LEA Special Education Supervisors. The intent of the appropriation is that every school district in the State has an opportunity to access the services of a qualified and licensed Special Education professional.
Attached are the FY 2004 forms and applications for districts and co-ops to request funds to support LEA Special Education Supervisor salaries. Maximum funding of $32,750 per LEA Special Education Supervisor is available to support the salary cost of one (1) full-time equivalent (FTE) working full-time on special education activities in districts with an ADM of at least 3,600.
Three types of administrative arrangements are available to accommodate funding for the Special Education Supervisor program:
A. Single district arrangements for districts with an Average Daily Membership (ADM) of 1,800 (50% time and funding level), 2,700 (75% time and funding level) to 3,600 (100% time and funding level);
B. Lead District Consortium arrangements of two (2) or more districts with a combined ADM of 1,800 (50% time and funding level), 2,700 (75% time and funding level) to 3,600 (100% time and funding level), and
C. Education Service Cooperative arrangements for the administration of shared Special Education Supervisors for districts within the Education Service Cooperative boundaries.
Districts and Co-ops may use state funds or federal Title VI-B pass-through funds to cover costs that exceed the maximum $32,750 funding level.
Districts and Co-ops should note the following:
1. Requests for funding additional supervisors beyond those presently approved will be considered if the request meets the program criteria.
2. Responsibilities for gifted and talented programs, Section 504 coordination, and student assessment/evaluation, etc. are not considered special education in nature and are not to be included as activities within the special education supervisory role. If a district chooses to assign duties such as these to an LEA Special Education Supervisor, funding for the position will be prorated to reflect the reduction in the FTE level of the supervisor.
3. In unusual circumstances where the services of an LEA Special Education Supervisor working full-time on special education activities are necessary, but the district’s ADM is insufficient to generate full funding, “hardship exemptions” will be considered if adequately justified.
4. The minimum length of contract must be ten (10) months. A twelve month contract is recommended. Funding for salary will be prorated for less than a twelve month contract. For example, a full-time special education supervisor on a ten (10) month contract would be eligible for 10/12 of the maximum funding level allowed.
5. Prior to the release of funds, an approved contract for the LEA Supervisor must be on file with the Arkansas Department of Education, Special Education Grants and Data Management.
Completed applications are due by September 1, 2003 and should be directed to:
Arkansas Department of Education
Special Education Grants and Data Management
”Attn: LEA Supervisor Application”
1401 W. Capitol, Suite 450
Little Rock, AR 72201-2936
or by fax to (501) 682-4313.