MSA learned that Congressional conferees today agreed to MSA’s request to increase MSAP funds by $2 million, to a total of $109 million for the new fiscal year. The appropriations bill is expected to pass both Houses today, and then go to the President for signature. Once signed, distributions and other award considerations for the fiscal year that started on October 1st should go back on schedule.

Additionally, Congress agreed to MSA’s request to eliminate a law which prohibited non-MSAP awardees from using federal funds to provide transportation. The result of this modification is that school districts can now access, if they choose, federal funds to aid in providing school bus transpiration to magnet schools whether they are part of an MSAP grant or not.

In hailing the legislation, MSA Executive Director Todd Mann said, “This is a victory for magnets everywhere, and we are appreciative to Members of Congress in acknowledging the importance and value of magnet schools."