Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 160 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Chapter 160-1
Subject 160-1-4 - GRANT PROGRAMS
Rule 160-1-4-.49 - IDEA Part B Funds - Severe Emotional and Behavioral Disorders and Autism

(1) Purpose of Program. Under provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the State of Georgia receives grant funds from the Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education. The purpose of the Act is to provide grants to states to assist them in providing a free appropriate public education to all students with disabilities. A portion of these funds is used to support the programs of the Georgia Network of Educational and Therapeutic Services (GNETS) which provides educational services to the most severely involved of the population of students with emotional and behavioral disorders (SEBD). The goal of the GNETS is to provide, through cooperative efforts, comprehensive educational services to any student with SEBD or autism, anywhere in Georgia. Each school system in Georgia is served by one of the 24 regional programs of the GNETS. Either a local school board or a regional educational services agency (RESA) serves as fiscal agent for each of the programs. The IDEA Part B Funds - SEBD and Autism are expended to provide for the excess cost of special education and support services for students served by the programs of the GNETS.

(2) Terms and Conditions. Grant funds are allocated to the local school districts or RESAs serving as fiscal agents for each of the GNETS programs during each fiscal year beginning on July 1. Grantees agree to adhere to rules adopted by the State Board of Education and applicable federal regulations in 34 CFR Part 300.

(3) Eligible Recipients. Eligible recipients are the local school boards or RESAs serving as fiscal agents. Fiscal agents are determined by the local school districts in each of 24 regions of the GNETS.

(4) Criteria for Award. Grant funds flow to the fiscal agents following the submission and acceptance of project proposals developed by each fiscal agent in coordination with the program director, outlining program objectives, services, staffing patterns and budgets for the coming fiscal year.

(5) Directions and Deadlines for Applying. The proposal format is sent to the 24 fiscal agents, as identified by the local areas, in March. Each proposal is due by mid-May to be considered by the Georgia Board of Education at its June meeting. Monies are awarded for approved proposals in July. Requests for information, directions or assistance for completing the proposal should be made to the Division for Exceptional Students, Georgia Department of Education, 1870 Twin towers East, Atlanta, Georgia 30334.