June 2022 Newsletter
Marian Orton Gillingham Learning Loss Recovery Program

If your school is planning on participating in either the reading or math Orton Gillingham tutoring program this
fall through Marian University, please complete the survey found here.

If you have questions, reach out to John Elcesser or
USDA Discrimination Guidelines and Title IX

We are waiting on definitive guidance from USDA regarding their May 5 memo, but a variety of groups have been reaching out to them to voice their concerns, including public school groups. It certainly appears that USDA is backing away a little, now saying that posting the new language is only "recommended." The main issue right now is what should schools distribute (e.g. family applications) and if sexual orientation and gender identity language is required. 

Brian Murphy, IDOE's Chief of Staff, has really been on top of the issue and has been in communication with the Council of Chief State School Officers, which represents all of the state public school superintendents. Here is the “unofficial” information that was recently shared by that group. Please note that this is not official guidance, nor should this be considered legal guidance in any way.   

  1. This guidance is not a federal rule, nor is it proposed regulation. This is non-binding guidance that USDA hopes schools will voluntarily comply with. 
  2. Our understanding is that this non-binding guidance is specifically related to ensuring students cannot be denied a meal or separated from other students in a cafeteria setting based on their gender identity or sexual orientation. Our understanding is that it is not/was not intended to be related to laws or policies that may be related to student use of bathrooms, ability to play sports, etc.
  3. As this guidance relates to non-public schools, just as with other federal discrimination rules, non-public schools can request a religious exemption. The exemption would not allow a school that participates in FRSL to not serve a student based on their gender identity.
  4. This non-binding guidance is not a means to withdraw federal funding for school meals. USDA’s aim is to reach voluntary compliance. Our current understanding is that schools will not have funding terminated for failure to comply. 

We will continue to keep you informed of all developments on this issue. If you have any specific questions, please reach out to John Elcesser.

The following links provide additional information:


School Safety Grant Deadline: June 30th!
 
The application period for the Fiscal Year 2023 Secured School Safety Grant will close on Thursday, June 30 at 4:30 p.m. EDT and no late or incomplete applications will be accepted. For more information about how to submit a successful grant application, review the Notice of Funding Opportunity for FY23 SSSG.
 
Since 2014, Indiana has awarded more than $110 million in SSSG grants to support school security. Last year, 392 schools received more than $19 million in awards.
 
Prior to submitting an application for this funding opportunity, applicants must:
  • Be registered in IntelliGrants.
  • Have an active bidder number with the state of Indiana.
  • Have an active supplier number with the state of Indiana.
  • Have conducted a threat assessment.
  • Have a memorandum of understanding in place with a community mental health center or employ a provider certified or licensed by the state to provide mental or behavioral health services to students.
  • Certify that the school corporation, charter school or accredited non-public school is located in a county that has a county school safety commission.
  • Sign up for grant updates.
 
The period of performance will be Sept. 1, 2022, through Aug. 31, 2023. For more information, visit the DHS Grants website.
Employee Retention Credit Webinar

Last week, nearly 80 people participated in our webinar with Synergi Partners to learn more about the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and how their schools might benefit. If you were unable to participate in the webinar, another one will be scheduled on August 17. Registration information will be shared in our July newsletter and on social media.

In the meantime, we encourage you to reach out to your INPEA jurisdictional representative (i.e. superintendent) to discuss your school’s options. You can also reach out to Jason Kurtz with Synergi Partners at 856-701-8495 or jkurtz@synergipartners.com. There is no cost to have a consultation call with Synergi Partners. 
 
INPEA wants our schools to become educated about the ERC program and make an informed decision about participating, whether or not your school chooses to participate or work with Synergi Partners. Although Synergi Partners is the largest privately-owned tax credit and business incentive processor, there are also other third party options available.
Federal Emergency Relief Funds Dashboard
 
The Indiana Department of Education’s new Office of School Efficiency recently released a memo requesting information from school corporations about the use of federal relief dollars. This dashboard does not include non-public schools’ EANS funding. At this point, there are no plans for a dashboard for EANS funding but even so, IDOE already has that information from EANS applications and Class Wallet expenditures. There is no action required of you. 
Get Registered for INPAC 2022!

Have you registered for INPAC 2022 yet? If you have funds available this fiscal year, now is an excellent time to get registered! 
 
INPAC is the ONLY conference designed specifically for non-public school leaders in Indiana and it won’t be held over Zoom! Here are just a few reasons why you should register for INPAC:
 
  • The opportunity to reconnect with colleagues from across the state for the first administrators’ conference in three years!
  • Three outstanding keynote speakers that will re-energize you and help you recommit to “Leading with Passion and Purpose.” Check out this video from Friday’s keynote, Ted Neitzke!
  • Thirty breakout sessions led by nationally-recognized and locally-loved presenters, centered around the learning strands of All Things Indiana, Instruction and Culture, Operational Vitality, plus a special education-focused pre-conference. 
  • Learning opportunities for school administrators, pastors, board members, business managers, development directors, aspiring leaders, and more! Whether you are new to your role or a seasoned administrator, there will be something for you at INPAC! 
 
You can view a complete program with session information here
 
Can’t come for the full conference? No problem! A variety of registration options are available and INPEA members receive a discount. You can pay via check, credit card, or use Title or EANS funds! 
Thank You to Our Business Partners!
Contact: Steve Lockwood
Contact: Rob Pizzurro
Contact: Mike Rivard
Contact: Mike Collins
Contact: Joy Roberts
Contact: Paula Latvenas
Contact: Cathy Tooley
Would you like to be come an INPEA Business Partner or know a business that would be a good fit? Check out our website here or contact John Elcesser at jelcesser@inpea.org for more information!
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Resources
Mission
The Indiana Non-Public Education Association serves as an advocate,
promotes engagement, and strives for the advancement of non-public schools. 
(317) 236-7329
1400 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202 
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