Consortia Resources

Is there an extension on our application due date or is it still due May 1? 

Updated on 4/29/2020: If you need an extension beyond May 1, send an email notfication to Jeralyn Jargo. COVID-19 has affected us all in many ways and has greatly impacted our work.  We recognize these unusual circumstances consortia leaders are facing, including meeting the May 1 deadline for submitting two-year Perkins V applications.  Therefore, although we haven't changed the due date of May 1, we would allow consortia to submit applications as late as June 1. This will allow some additional time for those of you who need it due to circumstances caused by COVID-19. 

Although the extra time is available, we strongly encourage consortia to submit their applications by May 1st. This will allow state staff to begin reviewing and approving applications to ensure that consortia receive their FY21 allocation on time.  Given the uncertainty of COVID-19's impact on personnel in the coming weeks, we're encouraging you to complete your application as best you can to meet the deadline.  We have staff available to assist you in using or hosting online technology tools, survey tools, or other web tools. Please contact us if you have questions. We're here to support you.

Will we still do application presentations?

Updated on 4/3/2020: We are scheduling dates and times for these meetings with consortia as we have in past years; however, they will all take place virtually.  Due to COVID-19, state staff will not conduct any in-person meetings with consortia leaders.

What happens if we are unable to complete our CLNA due to the COVID-19 restrictions?  

We are hearing many great examples of how consortia are completing that work virtually.  This works best if you have prior relationships with the participants, but under these unique circumstances you may have to just do the best you can.  If you need assistance with virtual meeting technology to connect with your partners to complete your work due to COVID-19, contact our office for assistance.  At this time we will continue with the May 1 submission deadline for the 2-year application, including the CLNA Template.  Remember that the CLNA is in place to inform your work; state staff won’t “grade” it as a stand-alone document.

Can the state eliminate the CLNA requirements? 

Given the rules around Perkins V and federal requirements, state staff do not have the authority to waive this requirement. 

Can you address distance TSAs? How do we ensure the integrity of the assessment? 

This is dependent on the agency/department issuing the certificate or award.  We have reached out to some of the accreditation/testing providers but have not received definitive answers.  PELSB, for example, is one entity that has stepped up to offer a process for variances for student teachers.

How do we get original, hard copy signatures for the Statement of Assurances (SOA) given the current unforeseen circumstances?   

During this time of COVID-19 we will accept electronic signatures on your SOA forms. All consortia have new applications, new budgets, and new initiatives.  I would encourage you to have conversations addressing the changes as you get signatures.

How do we plan and budget without knowing how long we might be online or shut down?  

Since we are dealing with many unknowns, you probably need to think creatively about a plan B, or plan C even.  You did your work thinking that the next academic year would look and feel similar to the past year.  The Coronavirus pandemic is both an unforeseen circumstance and a surprise opportunity; are there lessons you are learning from your creative solutions that should be part of your 2-year plan?  This might include things such as professional development for teaching with technology or reviewing the shared uses of simulators, etc. 

There are many planned purchases that will not happen this spring or maybe even this summer such as professional development, camps and bridge programs, and even the purchase of some equipment. Can we roll this money into the next fiscal year? 

At this time—no. We cannot extend these expenditures into the next fiscal year. Please remember two things:  

1. Spend your reallocation funding first. Those dollars must be spent prior to June 30, 2020 or they will be returned to the federal government.
2. The grant itself does extend beyond 12 months.  That’s the component that allows the state to reallocate funds.  So, if your basic and reserve funds (allocated July 1, 2019), are not spent by June 30, we have the reallocation process to redistribute any leftover funds, by formula, back to consortia. 

How flexible will state staff be with spending adjustments? 

We will review all requests and try to be very supportive of spending adjustments, yet remain within the federal requirements.

Do you think the state funding for reimbursement of students’ certification costs will continue? If it does, I would use my Perkins dollars differently.

This is just an unknown at this time.

Can we redirect our spring plans and buy equipment? 

Yes.  What was on your equipment list that didn’t make the cut with this year’s allocation?  The purchase still needs to be part of your actual Perkins work and meet the reasonable, necessary, and allocable criteria. 

Can we purchase online testing and curriculum for students (for example, OSHA 10 licenses)?

Yes, under some circumstances. For example, consider the following questions:

• Does the assessment/curriculum align with your program of study?
• Are the students prepared to take the assessment?
• Are you giving the assessment to EVERY student in that class/cohort?

These questions are not all-inclusive and may require additional discussion with state staff.

Are we able to add ZOOM or other applications to our purchases? 

Yes, under some circumstances. For example, consider the following questions:

• Would it serve CTE students or programs?
• Is it prorated to reflect CTE enrollment? 

These questions are not all-inclusive and may require additional discussion with state staff.

Can we continue to pay people with Perkins funding?

Yes, you may continue to pay employees with Perkins funds. Are there projects that could use their skills/talents if these employees are not doing their usual face-to-face? Consider having them help with communication and outreach, project development, assembling kits, supporting other personnel, etc. 

How do we make changes to our budget?  

Requests from postsecondary are emailed to jeralyn.jargo@minnstate.edu
Requests from secondary are emailed to michelle.kamenov@state.mn.us

The information below should be included in your email request.

Request for Budget Changes

 1) From the Approved Local Application  (July 1, 2019)

• Goal Area of Original Budget:
• Description of Original expenditure:
• Amount of Original expenditure:

• Goal Area of proposed change:
• Description of expenditure change request (item, salary, service):
• Amount of change: 

Rationale:

Applied to which Program of Study: 

NOTE: If more than one request is being made or dollars are moved from more than one goal area, simply repeat the information for that second request and/or that second goal area.  

What happens if we order equipment, but because of the shutdowns from the virus, we don’t receive the equipment in time to meet the deadline? 

State staff will be as flexible as possible, but these will probably be individual considerations.

Can we allow students to take equipment home?  

Currently, Perkins-purchased equipment is not supposed to be checked out to students for use away from the teacher’s oversight.  This is probably a local decision.  It might be dependent on the type of equipment, the vulnerability or fragility of the equipment, the length of use, or how user-friendly it is without an instructor, etc.  Again, have the conversation with your local administration.  When in doubt, ask state staff.

Will the state issue no-cost extensions on the grant funding?  

State staff cannot offer that “waiver” at this time.  These are federal dollars so we need to wait for answers on flexibility from our federal grantor.