MASA is working in coordination with MSBO in order to get you the following information:

Yesterday, Governor signed the Supplemental School Aid bill (Public Act 73).  This means that MDE can now start awarding ARRA Stabilization funds and the process has now been set in motion for districts to gain approval of their applications through MEGS and the allocation of funds in the Cash Management System. The MDE staff is currently reviewing and approving the more than 600 applications that have been submitted to date. As a matter of fact, in a meeting this afternoon, MDE indicated that 21 districts have already had their application approved and awarded. It is expected that all applications that have been submitted will be approved by Monday, July 13, 2009. If you have not submitted your application, do not delay. MDE estimates that 20% of districts have not yet submitted their grant application.

Upon approval of your stabilization fund application, the level 5 MEGS user(s) in each district will be notified via email of the approval. The allocation of funds will automatically occur in the CMS system, making the cash request process immediately available to districts. CMS has geared up to be prepared to make a “special” cash request on Friday July 10, 2009. The funds requested on Friday by noon would be received by districts who participate in electronic fund transfer on Wednesday July 15, 2009. CMS will also have a normal run of cash on Tuesday July 14, 2009, which will allow districts to receive these funds on Friday July 17, 2009. As we reported earlier in other E-Blasts, the intention is to receive the cash prior to your normal July 20, 2009 State Aid Payment to alleviate any cash flow problems. We appreciate MDE doing everything in their power to award these funds as soon as possible.

Timing is critical.  If you do not request your cash by the normal Tuesday, July 14 cash draw process, you will not receive your Stabilization funding before you would have normally received your state aid. As a reminder, the state is deducting 90+ percent of the $372.81 per pupil reduction for 2008-09 from the July 20, 2009 State Aid payment.

The opportunity is here, we hope you take advantage of it.

If you have questions, contact Brad Biladeau at 517.281.5733.

Check MASA's ARRA Resource Center for updates and resources.