HOW IS THE CONSULTATION

PROCESS CONDUCTED?

Sample Consultation Form  Meeting notice and letter Budget form Intent to participate form Nonpublic needs assessment* Consultation calendar

   

It is the responsibility of the public school system (LEA) to contact nonpublic schools in their district.  However, nonpublic schools are encouraged to be proactive in contacting the nonpublic school representative in their local school district.

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Getting Started—LEAs

• Download address labels for nonpublic schools from the MSDE website:  http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/nonpublicschools/NP_Overview
• (Both Church exempt and approved non-public schools are eligible for participation)
• Approved Schools
• Church Exempt Schools
• Send a notice of the first consultation meeting.  Although not required, it is advisable to send this letter via certified mail.
• Publicize the meeting through local media and website postings.

First Meeting of the LEAs and Nonpublic Schools

• Exchange contact information.
• Review program services and benefits.
• Discuss possible designs for program implementation.
• Discuss how program allocations will be determined and preliminary funding estimates for each program.
• Distribute nonpublic Intent to Participate forms.
• Distribute nonpublic needs assessment form/checklist.
• Schedule follow up consultation meetings.

Follow up discussion items

LEAs should facilitate timely and meaningful consultation by discussing with nonpublic school administrators such issues as:

Nonpublic schools should:

• Identify needs of their students and their students’ teachers
• Gather and submit to the LEA other information to facilitate effective consultation
• Submit to the LEA information to be included in the Bridge to Excellence Master Plan

WHAT DOCUMENTION IS REQUIRED FOR CONSULTATION?

MSDE requires LEAs to provide certification of equitable services to students in nonpublic schools. This certification is part of the annual Bridge to Excellence Master Plan.  It includes the following information for formula-funded programs (Title I-A, Title II-A, Title II-D, Title III-A, Title IV-A, and Title V-A):

Link to Bridge To Excellence Planning Guide:  Final Guidance

• The amount of funds budgeted for services to nonpublic schools
• A list of participating nonpublic schools
• Descriptions of services to nonpublic schools
• A description of the consultation process

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LEAs are advised to maintain the following documentation:

• Copies of letters sent to nonpublic schools
• Proof of mailing (such as certified mail receipts)
• Meeting agendas and sign-in forms
• Correspondence, both email and regular mail

HOW CAN PUBLIC AND NONPUBLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS RESOLVE PROBLEMS IN THE CONSULTATION PROCESS?

• First, consult the law, regulations, guidance and other information on the MSDE and USED homepages.
• Document the details of the issue in writing.
• Contact the LEA nonpublic school contact for assistance.
• Refer the question to the Nonpublic Schools Workgroup listserv to see if this is an issue in other counties.

Link to Additional Resources  MSDE Nonpublic Workgroup  MSDE Grants Office  USDE:  Filing a complaint   USDE Office of Nonpublic Education  MSDE program coordinators MSDE Nonpublic Approval Branch

•  Contact the MSDE program coordinator for assistance.  Provide any written documentation regarding the issue.