The purpose of this Commissioners Communication is to clarify amendment and program adjustment deadlines for 2006-2007 Arkansas Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (ACSIP) plans and budgets. The deadlines apply to all programs included in the ACSIP plans and budgets.
The amendment deadline for 2006-2007 ACSIP plans and budgets is March 31. Because March 31 falls on Saturday in 2007, April 2 (the first working day of the month) becomes the deadline for 2006-2007 ACSIP amendments.
An amendment increases or decreases the total amount budgeted, adds a budget function code (line item) or budget object, adds staff, or increases or decreases the amount budgeted for capital outlay.
The deadline for ACSIP program adjustments is June 30. Since June 30 falls on a Saturday and is also the end of the fiscal year, the deadline will remain June 30. Arkansas Department of Education (ADE)staff will not be available on Saturday, June 30 to assist with questions. The web-based ACSIP program will lock out submissions from districts at midnight on June 30, 2007. There are no exceptions to this deadline.
Program adjustments move money around within the approved budget categories, but do not change the total amount budgeted and do not add a new staff position, a new budget function code or budget object, or change capital outlay.
Section 80.30 of Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) requires that Arkansas school districts obtain prior approval of the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) for changes in the No Child Left Behind (NCLB)and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) programs included in the Arkansas Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (ACSIP).For assistance with making changes to the ACSIP plan, contact your ACSIP program advisor.
For assistance with No Child Left Behind fiscal issues, contact Ms. Patsy Hammond at 501-682-4275 or Ms. Annette Pearson at 501-683-1243.