Jobs Bill -- Round II

After my last post on this topic, the feds did indeed pass the bill (a FAA bill at that).  However, questions continue to abound.  While there is clear language in the federal bill, it gets might muddy after that, and bottom line we need to understand what the "rules," issues, and requirements are with this (and any) legislation.

All states (including California) need to turn their application into Washington, D.C. by September 9, 2010.  Assuming the approval of the application, the money will be released after that time.  In the case of California, there are at least two key issues:

1. Maintenance of Effort (MOE) -- The state has legal obligations to continue paying for what they start.  Our best interpretation, at this moment, is that the state cannot qualify in this category until they make some adjustments.  Of course, the larger question might be can CA legitimately take on any new MOE efforts when they can't pay their current bills?  But that is for Sacramento to determine.
2. The State Budget Situation -- When Sacramento is looking for money to balance their budget (which they are), it has been obvious that any and all use of "smoke and mirrors" is appropriate to get to that end.  Thereby, leaving us with the question -- Do we (local school districts) actually get any money out of this deal?

As I stated earlier, there is a question as to how California or any state will distribute their federal job funds.  It is now clear that they can choose either to do it in the normal manner on a per student basis OR they can utilize the Title I procedure -- which favors the less affluent schools and districts.  Potentially, with a Title I distribution there may be questions as to how the funds can be spent (as with all Title I funds).  By federal law, the funds must be spent by September 30, 2012.

It does appear from the regulations that the money can be used for all employee groups (i.e., teachers, classified, and principals) at the school site level. 

While there are many politicians claiming victory for "saving teachers jobs" with this bill, they have provided something less than clarity on the matter. Obviously, given all the above, how many employees would be positively effected and when -- are impossible questions to answer at this point.  We will continue to monitor and report progress on this important item.  I am sure we will make every effort to move forward as quickly and prudently as possible in this matter.