Equitable Services to Independent Schools

When ESEA was reauthorized, in December 2015 as the “Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), new provisions under ESSA both strengthen and enhance equitable services to non-profit independent schools and provide for more State and LEA accountability. To help ensure that independent school children, teachers and other educational personnel receive services equitable to those in public schools, state educational agencies (SEAs) must now designate an Ombudsman to monitor and enforce ESSA equitable services requirements. In addition, the Ombudsman should serve as the primary point of contact for addressing questions and concerns from independent school officials and Local Education Agencies (LEAs)(ESSA 1117 (a)(3)(B) & 8501(a)(3)(B)).

• Equitable Services Amounts by Independent School FY2023 Report

Resources

• CFP Recognized or Approved, & Non-profit Independent Schools List

• CFP Equitable Services to Independent Schools Checklist

• Equitable Services Data Worksheets Tool

• Vermont Equitable Services to Independent Schools (Presentation for LEAs)

• Equitable Services in ESSA: Your Rights and Responsibilities (Presentation for Independent Schools)

• Equitable Services Documentation of Consultation Form

• CFP Equitable Services Office Hour, March 8, 2021

• Equitable Services Guidance

• Title VIII, Part F of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Equitable Services Non-Regulatory Guidance 2023

• Title-I-ES-guidance-revised-5-2023

Outreach Tools for LEAs Contacting Independent Schools Within LEA Boundaries

• Equitable Services Outreach Letter Template (Within LEA)
• Equitable Services Intent to Participate Form (Within LEA)

Outreach Tools for LEAs Contacting Independent Schools Outside LEA Boundaries

• Equitable Services Outreach Letter Template (Outside LEA)
• Equitable Services Intent to Participate Form (Outside LEA)

Ombudsman

Ombudsman for Equitable Services to Independent Schools: Deborah Bloom at deborah.bloom@vermont.gov