Each year, many parents in Huntsville, Madison and Madison County schools are asked to fill out a little form that has the potential to make a big impact on the local school systems thanks to a program that allocates federal money for local schools based on a child’s connection to the federal government.
The program is called Impact Aid, and it’s designed to help the school systems realize some of the money they theoretically lose out on because of the presence of non-taxable federal land within their school system.
“It’s basically the government’s way of paying property taxes for the federal property that’s here,” Erica Lewis, Redstone’s school liaison officer, said. “So, if you work or live on federal property, then you have the option to fill out this form so that the schools can recoup that money.”
Lewis added that the money goes into a school system’s general fund, which allows the district to use the money to meet several different needs like teacher salaries, enrichment programs or other science, technology, engineering and math programs.
Since 2010, Madison County Schools received more than $2.1 million from the Impact Aid Grant Program, Madison City Schools received more than $4.52 million and Huntsville City Schools received more than $4.58 million in payments, according to reports from the Impact Aid Grant System at impactaid.ed.gov.
That money comes from basically two different funds. There’s a fund for federally connected students, and then there’s a fund for federally connected students with disabilities.
Lewis gave an example and said the national average expenditure to serve a student with a disability is about $14,000 to $15,000 per student. If a parent fills out an Impact Aid form, the school system can receive about $11,000 per federally connected student with a disability.
Last week, school leaders, along with Garrison Commander Col. Erin Eike and Col. David Mulack and his wife, Sonya, gathered at James Clemens High School for the annual Impact Aid Kickoff, where the Mulacks filled out the year’s first Impact Aid form.
“Your participation ensures our schools can continue their proud tradition of excellence, supporting both the children of today and innovating for the minds of tomorrow who will carry forward Redstone Arsenal’s legacy of achievement,” Eike said.
Unlike years past, parents can fill out the forms online.
“It is easier than it has ever been before,” Madison City Schools Superintendent Ed Nichols said.
He added over the last 19 years, Madison City Schools has received almost $6 million in funds.
Nichols said the money has been used to fund special education services expand electives, and it’s paved the way for other federal grants like one that will fund math coaches in the system’s elementary and middle schools.
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