FY 2013 Budget Software Updates
The IDEA budget sofware for the 2012-2013 allocations are open. Below are the major changes made to the software:
- Rather than e-mailing signed assurances to DPI, the LEA will upload the pdf document directly into the IDEA budget software.
- The FTE field is no longer required in the Personnel section. However, please remember that positions that require individual EFNs may not be rolled into one budget line item. If the salary and fringe amounts for a single individual appear to be too high, the LEA will be contacted on whether or not the budget line item represents more than one licensed individual. This does not apply to budget items such as substitute teachers or professional development.
- Special education services that are now eligible for aid even if contracted from a private vendor will require license numbers when added to the grant budget. Services include audiology, speech & language, educational interpreter, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and orientation and mobility.
- LEAs may now enter more than two contacts regarding IDEA budget and claim correspondence.
"FY 2013 IDEA Budget Tips & Reminders"
A very helpful three-page document with tips and reminders for working with the new fiscal year. If you are having issues with the budget software, check here first to see if it is addressed. The document includes link to short tutorials on uploading assurances and adding contacts.
WUFAR Functions
The following are a list of functions that are available in the IDEA budget software for flow-through, preschool and Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) by fiscal year. There were some changes to the functions available when switching from fiscal year 2012 to fiscal year 2013. These changes were mostly made to the purchased services section to accommodate the expansion of special education services eligible for aid. If you feel that a function is missing, please contact rachel.zellmer@dpi.wi.gov.
The following spreadsheets were last updated on December 26, 2012. The objects are separated by tabs.
Special Ed Web Portal Access
Directors of Special Education are provided a user name and set their own password in the Special Education Web Portal. In turn, district users must be provided access to the Special Education Web Portal through the Director of Special Education. The following link provides step-by-step instructions for adding district users access to the portal:
Requesting Equipment and Other Capital Objects through the IDEA Budget Software
This three-page document describes the information an LEA must provide through the IDEA budget when requesting funds for equipment and other capital objects. A brief description of monitoring property is included.
Requesting IDEA Funds for Remodeling or Construction
Costs associated with remodeling due to the unique needs of a student or students with a disability are allowable under IDEA grants. A project is considered “remodeling” rather than “construction” if the alterations are to a previously completed building and the cost of the project is $100,000 or less. This is a short technical assistance document that provides the user with step-by-step instructions for requesting remodeling costs through the IDEA budget software.
Costs for construction or alteration of facilities must be excess costs of special education. A project must meet the needs of one or more children with disabilities. Costs for the general purpose of bringing facilities into compliance with Section 504 and ADA requirements are not allowed. LEAs must have prior approval from DPI to use IDEA funds for construction. Approval is gained by submitting a completed application. A print only copy of the LEA application for construction (PI-3208) can be downloaded here or a fillable copy from here.