Review Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 6/30/2022 - 5:30 PM
Category: Report of the Committee on Student Achievement and School Innovation
Type: Action
Subject: 4. Action on the Approval of the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Application and
Quality Improvement Funding (QIF) Application FY22
Strategic Plan Compatibility Statement:
Goal 1
Academic Achievement
Policy: Admin Policy 1.01 - Vision, Mission, Core Beliefs, and Goals
Attachments COLA Narrative and Budget Narrative
Quality Improvement Narrative and Budget Justification
Milwaukee Public Schools 21-22 Adjusted Indirect Rates
File Attachment:
Quality Improvement Narrative and Budget Justification FY22.pdf
COLA Narrative and Budget Narrative.pdf
Milwaukee Public Schools 21-22 Adjusted Indirect Rates.pdf
Background: The Milwaukee Public Schools' Head Start Program is eligible to apply for a supplemental Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) grant and Quality Improvement Funding (QIF) through the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, contains an increase of approximately $289 million for programs under the Head Start Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. The increase provides $234 million for a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and $52 million for Quality Improvement Funding investments for Head Start.

A portion of the increase provides a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 2.28% to assist all Head Start grantees in increasing staff salaries and fringe benefits or in off-setting higher operation costs. Quality Improvement Funding is allocated proportionately based on federal funded enrollment, with additional consideration given to small grantees to allow for a meaningful investment, as permitted by the Act.

The Milwaukee Public Schools Head Start Program has been allocated as follows:

COLA: $255,253
QIF: $ 78,377
Total- $333,630

Awarded funds will be applied as follows:
-Raises awarded to Head Start Staff awarded in the 2022-2023 school year
-Increases to fringe benefit rate for the last school year
-Increases in the operational cost in the last school year
-Help better incorporate a trauma-informed approach that will support children, families, and staff impacted by adverse experiences.

The full application will be submitted June 1, 2022.
Fiscal Impact Statement: The Federal Head Start Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Supplemental and Quality Improvement Funding (QIF) Grant is expected to be $333,630.
Implementation and Assessment Plan Upon Board approval, MPS Head Start office will submit the Federal and County Head Start COLA and Quality Improvement Funding (QIF) Application.
Recommendation: Your Committee recommends that the Board approve the submission of the 2022-2023 Head Start application.
Approvals:
Recommended By:
Signed By:
Jacqueline M. Mann, Ph.D. - Board Clerk/Chief Officer