Magnet Schools Assistance
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Program Objective
To provide grants to eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish and operate magnet schools that are operated under court-ordered, agency-ordered, or federally approved voluntary desegregation plans. Magnet programs aim to eliminate, reduce, or prevent minority-group isolation in elementary and secondary schools while strengthening students' academic achievement.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- School District
LEAs that are implementing court-ordered, agency-ordered or federally approved voluntary desegregation plans that include magnet schools are eligible to apply.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Recommendations for the approval of applications are made by the program staff on the basis of published criteria, statutory priorities, State comments received under the E.O. 12372 process, and with the advice and assistance of a panel of independent reviewers. In addition, no application may be approved unless the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights determines that all required assurances will be met.
The range is anticipated to be 90 to 120 days from the closing date.
Program details & compliance
Description
The Magnet Schools Assistance program provides Federal resources to assist eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) in the desegregation of schools by supporting the elimination, reduction, and prevention of minority-group isolation in elementary and secondary schools with substantial proportions of minority students. Grantees establish and operate magnet schools that are part of court-ordered, agency-ordered, or federally approved voluntary desegregation plans and offer special curricula or instructional programs capable of attracting students from different backgrounds. Projects under this program are intended to, among other things, assist LEAs in achieving systemic reforms and providing all students the opportunity to meet challenging State academic standards and strengthen students’ knowledge and skills.
Mission Categories
Primary: Elementary and Secondary Education
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Funds may be used, among other things, for planning and promotional activities directly related to the development, expansion, continuation, or enhancement of academic programs offered at magnet schools; for purchasing books, materials, equipment; and for paying or subsidizing the salaries of teachers and instructional staff in magnet schools. Funds may also be used for transportation of students to and from a magnet school assuming transportation is sustainable beyond the grant period and transportation costs do not represent a significant portion of the grant funds received by the eligible LEA. Funds may not be used on activities that are not directly related to improving student academic achievement. A grantee may use not more than 50 percent of funds in the first year of the grant, and not more than 15 percent in the second and third years, for planning.
Required Documentation
Applicants must submit a copy of the desegregation plan they are implementing, or will implement, if assistance is made available. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements