§7116 Local Educational Agency Applications

Summary

Local school districts must apply to the State education agency and finish a local needs check to get money under section 7115(a). Neighboring districts can join together and file one shared application. When making the plan, districts must talk with parents, teachers, principals, support staff, students, community groups, local officials (like police or child welfare), tribal groups where relevant, charter school leaders if applicable, and others with relevant experience. They must keep talking with these groups while they run and improve the programs. The needs check must look at three things: access to a well-rounded education, school conditions that support healthy and safe learning, and access to personalized learning with technology and proper teacher training. Districts must do this needs check at least once every 3 years. Districts getting less than $30,000 do not have to do the full needs check. The application must describe the planned activities, any partners, goals, and how the district will measure results. It must promise to give money first to the highest-need schools (for example, schools with the most low-income students, schools needing improvement, or schools labeled persistently dangerous). It must follow rules for private school participation. At least 20% of funds must go to well-rounded education and at least 20% to safe and healthy student activities. Some money must be used for effective use of technology. Districts must report each year to the State how they used those funds. If a district gets less than $30,000, it only has to meet one of the three spending promises.