The purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance to rural districts to assist them in meeting their state’s definition of adequate yearly progress (AYP). Applicants do not compete but rather are entitled to funds if they meet basic eligibility requirements.
Transferability and REAP Flex
This flexibility authority permits local educational agencies (LEAs) to transfer up to 100% of the funding that they receive under Title II-A to Title I-A so that they can more effectively address their unique needs. This provides LEAs flexibility in targeting federal resources to meet the needs of all children.
Funds that an LEA transfers are subject to the rules and requirements of the programs to which the funds are transferred.
REAP-Flex is the term that the USDE has given to the “alternative uses of funds” authority under the Small Rural School Achievement Program (SRSA). This authority provides flexibility to eligible rural LEAs to transfer up to 100 percent of funds from certain federal programs for use in other federal programs.
It is important to note that each of these provisions does not involve an actual transfer of funds from one program to another. LEAs are still required to account for funds by specific NMPED funds codes. However, under these provisions, LEAs are allowed to use the funds for allowable activities under the federal program to which they are transferring.
The Small, Rural School Grant Program (SRSA) is a direct formula grant made by the Secretary of the US Department of Education to eligible LEAs on a formula basis to support activities authorized under other specified Federal programs.
The Rural and Low-Income School Program (RLIS) is a formula grant made to State educational agencies (SEAs). Sub-awards are made to eligible LEAs on a formula basis. The use of these funds is specified by the federal statute.