The following article was contributed by Sr. Dale McDonald, PVBM, PhD., NCEA Director of Public Policy.
Here are some important reminders for upcoming deadlines that can impact your school.
E-Rate Application Window is Open
Monday, February 27, officially marked the opening of the FY 2017 FCC Form 471 application filing window. You are encouraged to complete and certify Form 471 as early as it is reasonably possible. The Form 471 filing window is scheduled to close on Thursday, May 11. Remember that the Form 470 must be filed 28 days prior to submitting the Form 471. Last possible date to file Form 470 is April 13. See the NCEA website for more information.
ESSA Consultation Process
The consultation process for obtaining ESSA services for next year should be underway. If not, contact your local school district (LEA) to ask them to begin the process. Much has changed under the new law so be sure to familiarize yourself with the parts of the law that pertain to equitable services for private school students and teachers and bring the documents with you to the consultation meetings. Copies of the documentation can be found on the NCEA’s public policy website
Finance Survey
All schools will soon be sent an e-mail invitation to participate in the annual financial survey that is conducted for NCEA by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA). This is the only source of financial data pertaining to Catholic schools and it provides national, regional, and school-type data that allows you to compare your school with all schools nationally and with other similar schools. Please take the time to complete the survey so that we have high quality information and resources that are helpful in strategic planning for operational vitality.
