Program Office: Academic Improvement and Teacher Quality Programs

CFDA Number: 84.938A
Program Type: Formula Grant

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This program supports the provision of immediate services or assistance to LEAs and nonpublic schools in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas that serve an area that the federal government declared a major disaster as a result of Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita. Funds are used to assist school administrators and personnel in restarting school operations, reopening schools, and reenrolling students.

The U.S. Department of Education made awards to the SEAs in the four states on the basis of their respective needs, taking into consideration the number of students who were enrolled during the 2004–05 school year in elementary and secondary schools that were closed on Sept. 12, 2005, as a result of Hurricane Katrina, or on Oct. 7, 2005, as a result of Hurricane Rita. Funds will remain available to the states until expended.

SEAs use the funds to provide services and assistance to eligible LEAs and nonpublic schools. In determining the amount of services or assistance to provide, SEAs must consider the number of school-age children served by the affected LEA or nonpublic school and the severity of the impact of Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita. LEAs and nonpublic schools may use their funds for: (1) recovery of student and personnel data and other electronic information; (2) replacement of school district information systems, including hardware and software; (3) financial operations; (4) reasonable transportation costs; (5) rental of mobile education units and leasing of neutral sites or spaces; (6) initial replacement of instructional materials and equipment, including textbooks; (7) redeveloping instructional plans, including curriculum development; (8) initiating and maintaining education and support services; and (9) other appropriate activities as approved by the Department.