Attention Federal Program Coordinators: Please forward this memo to all non-public schools within your district boundaries.
ARP EANS under the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Program, the State Education Agency (SEA) or Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is opening applications to non-public schools to participate in the ARP-EANS program. Therefore, all Arkansas non-public schools not currently participating in the EANS II program are invited to apply.
Informational Webinar:
A webinar will be held on Friday, July 28, 2023, at 10:00 am. All interested non-public schools are encouraged to participate by joining the Zoom link at https://zoom.us/j/92669583711?pwd=SHQ4Q3VWSnFVbHJvKysrTFRySjR1QT09
Meeting ID: 926 6958 3711
Passcode: 069997
The slides will be posted on the DESE Cares Act webpage at https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/public-school-accountability/federal-programs/cares-act
ARP-EANS for Non-Public Schools: An eligible non-public school must meet the following criteria:
1. A non-public school must share the poverty percentage.
2. The school requesting services or assistance is a non-profit school.
3. The school requesting services or assistance existed and operated prior to March 13, 2020.
4. The school requesting services or assistance is accredited, licensed, or otherwise approved to operate in accordance with State law. A non-public school must be incorporated as per Ark. Code Ann. § 6-2-102.
5. The school requesting services or assistance must share if they apply for and receive a loan under the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(37)) that is made on or after December 27, 2020.
6. No expenses may be reimbursed through a loan guaranteed under the PPP (15 U.S.C. 636(a)) prior to December 27, 2020.
Allocations: DESE will determine the list of eligible non-public schools and then post the allocations. Allocations for EANS funds will be posted on the DESE website at https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/fiscal-and-administrative-services/school-funding/allocations
Timeline for Funds: Direct payments with ARP-EANS funds must be completed by September 30, 2024.
Allowable Uses of Funds: (all costs must be reasonable, necessary, and allowable) Please see the FAQ at https://oese.ed.gov/files/2021/03/Final-EANS-FAQ-2.0-9.17.21.pdf
An eligible non-public school may apply to receive direct services or assistance only from the SEA or its contractors to address educational disruptions resulting from COVID-19 for:
A. Supplies to sanitize, disinfect, and clean school facilities
B. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
C. Improving ventilation systems, including windows or portable air purification systems
D. Training and professional development for staff on sanitization, the use of PPE, and minimizing the spread of infectious diseases
E. Physical barriers to facilitate social distancing
F. Other materials, supplies, or equipment recommended by the CDC for reopening and operation of school facilities to effectively maintain health and safety
G. Expanding capacity to administer coronavirus testing to effectively monitor and suppress the virus
H. Educational technology
I. Redeveloping instructional plans for remote or hybrid learning or to address learning loss
J. Leasing sites or spaces to ensure social distancing
K. Reasonable transportation costs
L. Initiating and maintaining education and support services or assistance for remote or hybrid learning or to address learning loss
Technical Assistance: DESE will provide technical assistance to non-public schools through Commissioner's Memos, webinars, and upon request. General technical assistance will be posted on the CARES Act webpage available at https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/public-school-accountability/federal-programs/cares-act
Please send specific requests for assistance to lindsey.stroud@ade.arkansas.gov or Elizabeth.Gomez@ade.arkansas.gov
Arkansas Department of Education, through the Federal Programs office, ensures eligible private school children receive equitable services through the designation of an ombudsman in accordance with the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). For more information, please see https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/public-school-accountability/federal-programs/federal-programs-ombudsman-equitable-services