MDE SERVS TRAINING AND OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST

[Mary Mehsikomer]

Hello: The following information on session dates for training on the MDE SERVS data reporting system is from this week's MDE Superintendents' Bulletin. I thought this might be of interest. I also included a couple of other items that might be of interest to you.

SERVS Training Session

The Student Education Record View Financial System, or SERVS Financial, is a new financial system being developed at MDE that will replace EDRS as the reimbursement system for all federal expenditures beginning FY 10. Because Stimulus funds allocated to states through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 must be made available to districts as soon as possible MDE is expediting the delivery of SERVS Financial which is designed to be compliant with new and increased federal reporting requirements.

Regional Service Coops will host training sessions on the new financial system for Superintendents, Business Managers, other business office staff, and RMIC representatives the last two weeks in May. These sessions will be conducted jointly by MDE Information Technologies staff who have been involved in the development of the new software systems and MDE UFARS experts who can address the changes in UFARS to support the new ARRA reporting requirements. Both speakers will discuss how SERVS Financial will support the application and reimbursement process for regular federal programs and new ARRA federal requirements to get staff up to speed for this major change that becomes effective July 1.
Bemidji - 5/27
Fergus Falls - 5/26
Mankato - 5/27
Marshall - 5/26
Proctor - 5/20
Rochester - 5/28
Roseville - 5/19, 5/21 and 5/22
St. Cloud - 5/21
Thief River Falls - 5/28
Contact your service cooperative for registration information.


ARRA Bonding Programs

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) includes three school facility programs that could lower district borrowing costs for school districts in Minnesota. Two of the programs, Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCB) and Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZAB) will be administered by MDE. Application information on these programs is included in the attached memo. A third program, Build America Bonds (BAB), authorizes school districts to issue taxable bonds that provide federal subsidies for a portion of the borrowing costs. Districts seeking more information about the BAB program are encouraged to contact a financial advisor with BAB program experience.

The memorandum from Tom Melcher, Director of Program Finance, also includes information on the eligible uses of the fiscal stabilization fund, such as modernization, renovation or repair of public school facilities, including modernization, renovation and repairs that are consistent with a recognized green building rating system.

Updated Title I Part D Information
http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/About_MDE/News_Center/013903

Action Item
• Verification of District and School Site Information for FY2009-2010
Please see the memorandum from Cathy Wagner, Director of Information Technologies, regarding the above-mentioned matter. To ensure that data collections, payments, AYP, Report Cards and other reports are correct for summer publication, district and school site information must be certified by June 1, 2009. See 2008-2009 List of Site Verification Coordinators. Access District or School Site Change Request Form.

For assistance with questions, please contact Mary Pat Olsen, at 651-582-8624 or [e-mail]