Private Non-Profit Schools Participation Notice

Private Non-Profit Schools within the Harlingen CISD District boundary (serving ages 5-17)

You may be eligible to participate in services through federal programs. Please contact your local school district regarding participation in the planning and receipt of services through federal programs. Contact Jesus Saldivar, Director of Federal Programs, at jesus.saldivar@hcisd.org.  

What constitutes private non-profit status?  

Under 34 CFR 77.1, the term “nonprofit” as applied to an agency, organization, or institution means it is owned and operated by one or more corporations or associations whose net earnings do not benefit, and cannot lawfully benefit, any private shareholder or entity.

What are private school equitable services?  

Through ESSA, federal grant funding is made available every year to serve students who meet certain criteria, such as economically disadvantaged. Those grant funds are awarded to TEA, which administer the funds directly to LEAs, including school districts. 

Local Education Agencies (LEAs) who receive federal funds are required to provide equitable services for eligible private nonprofit school children, teachers, and other educational personnel.

Services provided by the LEAs for private school participants must be designed to meet educational needs and supplement the educational services by the private schools. 

The process depends on a “timely and meaningful consultation” between ISD officials and those of eligible PNPs.  However, federal funds may not be awarded or paid to the PNP.   [Sec. 1117(b) & 8501(c)]

After consultation, private schools may receive equitable services.  The LEA must spend the funds on behalf of the private schools, and the funds must never be given to a private nonprofit school. 

LEA funds for educational services and other benefits to eligible PNP children shall be obligated within the same fiscal year in which they are received.  [Sec. 1117(a)(4)(B) & 8501(a)(4)(B)]

Equitable Services must be:

Secular, neutral, and non-ideological for all educational services, materials, and equipment

Equitable educational services compared to public school

Provided in a timely manner 

Monitored and enforced by State Ombudsman 

Eligible Programs for Equitable Services: 

Title I, Part A Equitable Services, Sec. 1117

Title VIII Equitable Services, Sec. 8501 

Title I, Part C -Migrant 

Title II, Part A–Supporting Effective Instruction 

Title III, Part A-English Learners & Immigrants

Title IV, Part A –Student Support & Academic Enrichment