Review Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 5/25/2023 - 5:30 PM
Category: Report of the Committee on Student Achievement and School Innovation
Type: Action
Subject: 1. Action on the Approval of the Head Start Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Application and Quality Improvement Funding (QI) Application FY23
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 22-23 Adjusted Indirect Rates
File Attachment:
COLA Narrative and Budget Narrative.pdf
Quality Improvement Narrative and Budget Justification FY23.pdf
Milwaukee Public Schools 22-23 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 (QI) through the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, contains an increase of approximately $960 million for programs under the Head Start Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022. The increase provides $596 million for a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and $262 million for quality improvement funding investments for Head Start.

A portion of the increase provides a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 5.60% 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 the Consolidated Appropriations Act.

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

COLA: $645,620
QI: $ 426,229
Total: $1,071,849

Awarded funds will be applied as follows:
-Raises to Head Start Staff awarded in the 2023-2024 school year
-Fringe Benefits for increased salaries
-Increases in the operational cost in the last school year
-Help keep students safe with updated, age-appropriate outdoor equipment.

The full application will be submitted June 1, 2023.
Fiscal Impact Statement: The Federal Head Start Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Supplemental and Quality Improvement Funding (QI) Grant is expected to be $1,071,849.
Implementation and Assessment Plan Upon Board approval, MPS Head Start office will submit the Federal and County Head Start COLA and Quality Improvement Funding (QI) Application.
Recommendation: Your Committee recommends that the Board approve the submission of the applications for the Head Start Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Application and Quality Improvement Funding (QI).
Approvals:
Recommended By:
Signed By:
Jacqueline M. Mann, Ph.D. - Board Clerk/Chief Officer