The Orthodox Union and its Institute for Public Affairs (IPA) have engaged with senior Obama Administration officials to secure new practices by the United States Departmentof Education that will better deliver federally funded education services to eligible students in Jewish day schools and other nonpublic schools.
Nathan Diament, OU executive director for public policy, has led these discussions with senior White House and Education Department officials. In June, 2012, a delegation of OU leaders who met with President Obama at The White House discussed the matter directly with him, and in September, 2012 Nathan Diament discussed it with Education Secretary Arne Duncan.
Today, the Department of Education sent a letter to public and private education officials across the United States announcing a new “Equitable Services Implementation Plan.” The plan is designed to increase delivery of eligible services though increased outreach, promotion of best practices, technical assistance and monitoring and oversight. In the coming months, Department officials will roll out the plan further through briefings and other means.
In response to the Department’s announcement, Nathan Diament stated:
“Today’s announcement by the Department of Education is an important and pragmatic first step in improving the delivery of federally funded educational services to the nonpublic schools students who are entitled to receive them. We appreciate the collaborative relationship we have had with White House and Department officials on this project, and we look forward to working with them to ensure its successful implementation.” TLS.
What good is federal funding when you have a failing district?
Our Title IA allocation this year was $15,433, 376. 77% of that or $11,829926 should go to non-public school students because they bring in 77% of the funding. However, since our public schools are failing, $5,618,168 is skimmed off the top (together with $709,515 for non-public use), so that only the remaining $9,105,693 is divided up. Public schools then get $2,126,105 and yeshivas get $6,979,588. So instead of getting $11,829,809, nonpublic schools get $7,637,203. And instead of getting $3,603567, public schools get $7,744,273.
The citizens of Lakewood have to understand that we all must stand together to improve our district. As long as we fail, federal money otherwise allocated for non-public students will find its way into the general fund of the public schools. The solution to fixing our district is within our sight, but too many people with too little vision are not willing to talk.