March 25-26, 2004

Perkins Quarterly Report

THAT:  The Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 (Perkins III) authorizes appropriations only through the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2003 (October 1, 2002-September 30, 2003), FY 2003 funds were made available to States on an advance funded basis for use in FY 2004 (July 1, 2003-September 30, 2004).

In the absence of Congressional action to reauthorize Perkins III, section 422 (a) of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) automatically extends the law for one additional year

The Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE) under the U.S. Department of Education has approved State plans and performances level agreements only through June 30, 2004.

Each state's Eligible Agency (Montana Board of Regents) must review its State Plan following the guidance provided by OVAE as a prerequisite for receiving the new Perkins III grants to States for the period beginning July 1, 2004. The revised state plan must be submitted to OVAE by April 30, 2004.

Additionally, Montana is scheduled for a targeted monitoring visit by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education April 7-8, 2004. A targeted visit is designed to prepare the state for a full monitoring visit subsequent to the targeted visit.

EXPLANATION: On behalf of the Board of Regents, the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education (OCHE) will conduct a review of the state plan in coordination with the Office of Public Instruction to assess what revisions may be necessary to meet the guidelines set forward by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE). A summary of the information to be submitted for approval is attached to this item.

Preparation for the targeted monitoring visit requires the State Director and staff within OCHE to work closely with the Office of Public Instruction. The areas of focus for this visit by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE) are attached to this item.

ATTACHMENTS: Program Memorandum OVAE/DHSPCE FY 2004-02 Targeted Monitoring Visit