Kathy Cox, State Superintendent of Schools

State Seeks Input on Special Education
Public Comment Sought on Application for Federal Grants

MEDIA CONTACT: GaDOE Communications office, (404) 463-1487, dtofig@gadoe.org

March, 11, 2009 -- The Georgia Department of Education has posted its annual application for federal grants that assist with the education of students with disabilities and will be seeking public comment on the application throughout April.

In Fiscal Year 2009, school systems in Georgia received more than $300 million in grants under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and is anticipating another $310 million in IDEA funds through the federal stimulus package. In order to continue to receive that funding, the state must post its Annual State Application for IDEA Grants Funds for public review for 60 days. The state must also have a 30-day public comment window.

Georgia's Annual State Application for IDEA Grant Funds has been posted on the GaDOE's website at this location: http://www.gadoe.org/ci_exceptional.aspx?PageReq=CIEXCIdea    The public comment period will run from April 1 through April 30.

Written comments should be sent to:
Nancy O’Hara, Director  
Division for Special Education Services  
1870 Twin Towers East  
Atlanta, Ga. 30334  

Comments can be emailed to:
nohara@doe.k12.ga.us