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July 6, 2004
LANSING - The Michigan Department of Education announced today that the
state will receive $21 million in federal start-up grants for new charter
schools.
The funds will be dispersed as competitive grants over a three-year period
to help charter schools in their start-up and development.
"We must make sure that all school children have the best possible
programs and equipment to succeed," said state Superintendent of
Public Instruction Tom Watkins. "We should not let one child lack
the educational tools and instruction that give them the quality education
they need and deserve.
"We welcome every federal, state, local, and private dollar to help
our public schools and children," he added.
As a designated program under the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
of 2001, these Charter School Program funds require that grant awards
be used for:
- Planning and design
of the educational program, including refinement of the desired educational
results and methods for measuring progress toward those results;
- Professional development
of teachers and staff who will work in the charter schools;
- Informing the community
about the school and its program;
- Acquisition of
necessary educational equipment, materials and supplies; and
- Acquisition or
development of curriculum materials.
Many
charter schools, known as Public School Academies in Michigan, choose
to use funds for purchase of computers and technology, audio/visual equipment,
desks, chairs, tables, texts and library books, bookshelves, other equipment
and needs specific to the educational program.
Michigan was one of only 10 states to receive these funds, with a first-year
award of $6 million from a total of $71 million awarded nationally. Michigan
will receive up to $6.75 million in 2005 and $8.25 million in 2006.
"Charter public schools have successfully served Michigan's children
for 10 years now," said Dan Quisenberry, president of the Michigan
Association of Public School Academies (MAPSA). "Receipt of this
grant distinguishes Michigan as a national leader in providing quality
education to all its children. It also recognizes the effectiveness of
collaboration between the Michigan Department of Education and local school
leaders."
The Michigan Department of Education worked with the MAPSA in developing
the federal grant application to access these restricted federal funds.
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[Michigan has had
charter schools since 1994 as authorized under Public Act 362 of 1993.
The Michigan Department of Education's goal is to provide high quality,
accountable education in traditional and charter public schools in Michigan.]
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