Module 1 – Eligibility Period

To further maximize resources, the MSBA is formalizing and streamlining the beginning of its grant process with the establishment of an Eligibility Period, which will result in several benefits to the District and the MSBA. The Eligibility Period will assist the MSBA with managing its financial resources by identifying early in the process whether a District is ready to manage and fund a capital project.  It will help to determine a District’s financial and community readiness to enter the capital pipeline. It will also assist Districts locally by providing a definitive schedule and identifying needs for planning and budgeting.

A vote of the MSBA Board of Directors to invite a District into the Eligibility Period is based on a review of the District’s Statement of Interest (“SOI”) and staff due diligence and recommendation.  The vote initiates a 270-day period for the District to complete certain preliminary requirements that include: 1) a certification of the District’s understanding of the grant program rules by executing an Initial Compliance Certification; 2) forming a School Building Committee and submitting the membership to the MSBA for acceptance; 3) a summary of the District’s funding capacities; 4) a summary of the District’s existing maintenance practices; 5) certification of a design enrollment for the proposed project agreed upon with the MSBA (may not be applicable for Repair Assessments depending on the proposed scope of work); 6) confirmation of community authorization and funding to proceed (see MSBA Vote Requirements); and, 7) execution of the MSBA’s standard Feasibility Study Agreement, which establishes a process for the District to be reimbursed for eligible expenses.

Districts that successfully complete the preliminary requirements to the satisfaction of the MSBA within the 270-day Eligibility Period are eligible to receive an invitation from the MSBA Board of Directors to the Feasibility Study phase. This phase involves the District utilizing MSBA-specific procurement processes and standard Request for Services (“RFS”) templates and contracts to procure a team of professionals to work with the District as a proposed project advances through the MSBA grant process as defined in Module 2.

Districts that are able to successfully complete the preliminary requirements in less that 270 days may receive an invitation earlier than 270 days, as determined the MSBA.  An invitation to the Eligibility Period is not an invitation to Feasibility Study and it does not guarantee an invitation to the MSBA’s capital pipeline.  Districts that do not successfully complete the preliminary requirements within the 270-day period will have to re-file an SOI during the next open SOI filing period.

The MSBA’s program for school building construction and renovation grants is a non-entitlement competitive grant program.  Grants are distributed by the MSBA’s Board of Directors based on need and urgency, as expressed by the District and validated by the MSBA. Submitting an SOI is the critical first step in the MSBA’s program for school building construction and renovation grants.

 

As of the March 28, 2012 Board Meeting: 

  • 14 districts in Eligibility Period
    • 11 districts are seeking local funding and authorization in the next 60 days
    • 1 district has secured local funding and authorization
    • 2 districts have yet to confirm dates for action

One district has completed prerequisites, secured local authorizations and funding, and was invited into the Capital Pipeline:

  • Newton (Angier Elementary School)