R277-718-4. Procedures and Criteria for Awarding Grants

  (1) In accordance with Subsection 53F-5-210(5), the Superintendent shall evaluate LEA program proposals on:

  (a) the percentage of students in the program who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch;

  (b)(i) evidence that the LEA has dedicated private matching funds to support the LEA's grant funding request; or

  (ii) provide assurances that the LEA will obtain private matching funds to support the LEA's grant funding request;

  (c) the extent to which the program has participated in the assessment tool;

  (d) the program's commitment to implementing the quality observation process and reporting timely results to the Superintendent;

  (e) whether the program intends to spend grant funds on activities, purposes, or interventions that have a likelihood of improving student academic performance; and

  (f) the extent to which the program has engaged in and implemented a program needs assessment for purposes of identifying gaps that may be addressed by funding.

  (2) A program shall receive priority points or additional weighting for a higher percentage of students in the program who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.

  (3) The Superintendent may not distribute grant funds until the LEA has certified that the LEA has obtained the private matching funds in an amount that is equal to or more than the grant funds.