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Board chair to sign federal ‘general assurances’ after discussion of grants and inclusivity concerns
Summary
Board Chair Bobby said he will sign the federal general assurances required for grant participation after discussing the scope of seven active grants (about $95,000 as reported) and raised concerns about referenced executive orders and how they align with the district’s inclusivity statements.
The Newfields School District Board discussed federal grant assurances May 7 and the responsibilities that come with accepting federal funds, including grant reporting, allowable costs and student privacy protections.
Ellen (staff) introduced the general assurances and described them as a document asking the superintendent and the board chair to sign off on compliance with requirements for participation in federal programs, including FERPA protections and grant reporting. Board Chair Bobby, speaking as chair, said this was his first year being asked to sign the assurances and that he had asked questions to understand the document before signing. Bobby said the packet lists seven active federal grants totaling “almost $95,000,” which he noted represents about 3% of the district’s FY25 operating budget of roughly $3.25 million (figures presented as context in the meeting packet).
Bobby said he is “confident that we're in compliance with the assurance requirements and federal law” based on conversations with the superintendent’s office and legal advice, and he said he will sign the document. He also said he would submit a cover letter certifying compliance “to the extent that there's no mitigation from court orders or injunctions,” while clarifying he did not wish to imply personal or board agreement with every referenced document. Bobby and others referenced concern about language in certain executive orders that some board members find “imprecise and vague” and that they worry could be harmful to marginalized groups; Bobby contrasted that with the district’s motto, “you belong here.”
SAU staff clarified that the grant figures in the packet reflect “active grants today” and may not follow the district fiscal year cycle; REAP was identified as outside the grants management system and estimated at about $15,000. Board members recommended that the chair sign the assurances and that the district attorney draft a cover letter to accompany the assurances for area boards.
Ending: The chair indicated he will sign the assurances and submit a cover letter; staff and legal counsel will prepare the accompanying letter and any requested clarifications for the district and the SAU.
