Tribal listening sessions are being held on the Indian School Equalization Program (ISEP) and the ISEP student transportation funding formulas and respective distribution methodologies.
The purpose of these listening sessions is to advise the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) on the need for possible revisions to 25 C.F.R. Part 39 – Indian School Equalization Program. Under 25 U.S.C. § 2018(a), prior to publishing any proposed regulations and prior to establishing a negotiated rulemaking committee, BIE is required to convene regional meetings to consult with educators at BIE-operated schools and Tribal officials, parents, teachers, administrators, and school board members of Tribes served by BIE-funded schools to provide guidance to BIE on revisions to the regulations. These sessions, along with the previously held sessions, serve that purpose.
During the ISEP Tribal listening session portion, the BIE will review with you 25 CFR Part 39— Indian School Equalization Program.
Below are some of the specific ISEP areas in which Tribal leader input is being sought:
- Subpart B—Indian School Equalization Formula (ISEF)
- factors used in base and supplemental funding methodologies;
- gifted and talented programs;
- language development programs;
- small school adjustments;
- geographic isolation adjustments;
- ISEF base academic funding factors and for grades kindergarten through 12; and
- base residential funding factors for grades 1 through grade 12.
During the ISEP transportation listening session portion, BIE will provide an overview of 25 CFR Part 39, Subpart G—Student Transportation, and will seek Tribal leader input on specific sections of the proposed regulatory amendments.
Below are some of the specific ISEP transportation areas in which Tribal leader input will be sought:
- non-curricular transportation expenses;
- non-ISEP student eligibility;
- development of a contingency fund; and
- definition of the various road types outlined in the regulation.
Invitation
Sessions
Comment Deadline
WRITTEN COMMENTS: Your written comments are welcomed on the ISEP and ISEP Transportation program by the extended comment deadline of March 31, 2024.
Please E-MAIL your comments to: consultation@bia.gov – SUBJECT LINE: ISEP and ISEP Transportation regulations.