July 15, 2002
Ms. Judi Miller
Coordinator
State and Federal Programs
Kansas State Department of Education
120 S.E. 10th Avenue
Topeka, Kansas 66612-1182
Dear Ms. Miller:
We are approving your State's continued use of its current alternative method to distribute Title I, Part A Basic, Concentration, and Targeted Grant funds to local educational agencies (LEAs) with fewer than 20,000 total residents. Kansas' alternative method would be based primarily on 1997 Census poverty data multiplied by 0.75 and the number of children participating in the free and reduced price lunch program multiplied by 0.25. We originally approved this method in 1999.
The use of an alternative method is authorized in sections 1124(a)(2)(B), 1124A(a)(4)(A), and 1125(d) of the Title I statute. At this time, however, it is not clear whether you may use this alternative method to distribute Title I Education Finance Incentive Grants authorized in section 1125A of the statute. We may regulate in order to give States this flexibility. We hope to make a decision soon and will keep you informed.
This approval, as it applies to Basic, Concentration, and Targeted Grants, remains in effect for the duration of the current Title I authorization. However, in order to use the most current data, you must update those portions of the data that change every year. If you wish to change your alternative method for distributing Title I, Part A Basic, Concentration, and Targeted Grant funds at a later time, please resubmit a request for approval.
Please note that any affected LEA that is dissatisfied with the State's determination of its grant under your alternative method may appeal that determination to the Secretary. If you have any questions concerning our approval, please contact Jacquelyn C. Jackson, Acting
Director, Student Achievement and School Accountability Programs at (202) 260-0826.
Sincerely,
Susan B. Neuman, Ed.D.
Assistant Secretary
Office of Elementary and Secondary Education