Business Services

What Is MOE?

Maintenance of Effort (MOE) is a federal requirement that requires school districts to spend at least the same amount on special education each year. From a business perspective, MOE sets a financial baseline for special education programs.

Why Is MOE Important for the Business Branch?

• Prevents Budget Cuts: Ensures special education funding stays consistent from year to year.
• Supports Compliance: Helps districts meet federal and state requirements, avoiding penalties.
• Aids Financial Planning: Provides a stable benchmark to forecast and manage costs.

How Is MOE Tracked and Managed?

• Annual Review: The Business Branch verifies expenditures to ensure they meet or exceed the previous year’s amount.
• Collaboration: Coordinating with the special education department helps confirm all qualifying costs are included.
• Documentation: Accurate records are needed for state and federal audits.

What Is Fee for Service?

Fee for Service is a payment model where a district pays only for specific special education services used, such as physical therapy or occupational therapy.

Why Is Fee for Service Important for the Business Branch?

• Transparent Costs: Shows the exact price of each service, which helps with budgeting and planning.
• Efficient Spending: Funds go directly toward the services actually needed by students.
• Detailed Record-Keeping: The Business Office can track usage and expenses for better reporting.

How Is Fee for Service Managed?

• Contracts: The Business Branch sets up agreements with districts, outlining rates and terms.
• Monthly Billing: The Business Branch submits invoices to the districts for payment.
• Budget Adjustments: Spending can be adjusted based on actual service usage.

What Is Low Incidence Equipment?

Low Incidence Equipment refers to specialized tools or devices for eligible students with low incidence disabilities (e.g., deafness, hard of hearing, deaf-blindness, visual impairments, severe orthopedic impairments, and any combination of these).

Why Is Low Incidence Equipment Important for the Business Branch?

• Ensures Equity: The Business Branch allocates funds so students with unique needs receive the right support.
• Compliance: The Business Branch fulfills state requirements for providing necessary tools and technology for eligible students.

How Is Low Incidence Equipment Funded?

• Dedicated State Funding: California provides specific funds, allocated to member LEAs, to cover low incidence items.

What Are Federal Grants?

Federal Grants are funds from the U.S. government, such as IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) grants, used to support special education programs and services.

How Are Federal Grants Managed?

• Budget Tracking: All spending must be documented to meet grant requirements and prepare for audits.
• Monitoring, Reporting, and Auditing: Regular updates ensure the grant funds are spent correctly and on time, following federal single audit guidelines.

What Is AB602?

AB602 is a California law that outlines how state special education funds are allocated to local educational agencies, based on student needs and other factors.

How Is AB602 Funding Distributed?

• Allocation: Funds are often based on special education average daily attendance (ADA) and SELPA member agreements.
• Annual Adjustments: Funding is periodically updated based on revised LEA data.

What Is Professional Learning?

Desert Mountain SELPA offers a comprehensive range of professional learning opportunities—workshops, classes, and training sessions—to help teachers, administrators, and support staff in member LEAs stay informed on best practices in special education.

Why Is Professional Learning Important for the Business Branch?

• Improved Services: Well-trained staff reduce costly errors and enhance the quality of support provided to students, leading to more efficient use of resources.

What are Data & Reporting Requirements?

Schools must collect and submit specific information about special education students and services to meet federal, state, and local mandates (like IDEA). Timely, correct data keeps member LEAs and the SELPA in good standing.

How are Data & Reports Managed?

• Software Systems: The Business Branch uses specialized tools to track student information and spending, like Special Education Information System (SEIS) and Netsmart.