Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Waivers
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) is seeking public comment on waivers submitted and approved by the United States Department for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) program requirements. The requested waivers are in response to closures prompted by the national emergency declared by the President of the United States under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to protect the health and safety of students, staff, and our communities as a result of COVID-19.
IDEA Requirements
Pursuant to Section 3511 of Division A of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Pub. L. No. 116-136 (March 27, 2020), Mississippi requested and has received provisional approval of the following programmatic waivers:
Section 421(b) of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA), to extend the period of availability of Federal fiscal year (FFY) 2018 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B grant funds for which the State education agency participates as the eligible agency, through September 30, 2021. Under this approved waiver, FFY 2018 IDEA Part B grant funds will be available for obligation through September 30, 2021, and for liquidation by districts through December 8, 2021. The programs include:
- IDEA Part B Grants to States (Section 611)
- IDEA Part B Preschool Grants to States (Section 619)
Any individual or organization may submit written comments on the proposed waiver. Written comments will be accepted through, July 30, 2020 and can be sent to margaret.ellmer@mdek12.org.
Media Contacts:
Patrice Guilfoyle, APR
601-359-3515
pguilfoyle@mdek12.org
Jean Cook, APR
601-359-3515
jcook@mdek12.org