Overview:
Curricular Materials Assistance (CMA) counts for certification will be based upon the October 1, 2021 active student school associations (enrollment) records where the primary school is indicated as “True”.
Schools participating in the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) must determine a student’s eligibility for CMA. The CEP is a federal program and is separate from the state’s Curricular Materials Reimbursement Program.
KG to 13 grade level students eligible for free or reduced price meals without regard to the school’s participation in USDA Child Nutrition program are eligible for Curricular Materials Assistance.
Eligibility is determined when a school identifies the family as having a total household income at or below 185% of the poverty line.
Parents/guardians,or emancipated minors, must have completed the free/reduced lunch application form indicating curricular materials assistance is being requested.
Parents/guardians, or emancipated minors, may apply for assistance any time during the school year. If the eligibility is determined, the student qualifies for CMA and the fees become the responsibility of the school corporation.
PK grade level students are not eligible for Curricular Materials Assistance.
Accredited Nonpublic schools participating in the School Choice program may apply for CMA only IF the tuition and fees charged to eligible choice scholarship students do not include CMA costs.
Students found eligible for CMA cannot be charged textbook/material fees from the school corporation. The school incurs the cost instead of requiring the student to pay the cost and then reimbursing the student.
Regarding ALL students regardless of a student’s eligibility for CMA:
Schools may request parents/guardians or emancipated students to pay the balance of fees not covered by reimbursement from the state; but, schools CANNOT pressure, require, or mandate the balance be paid.
Schools cannot withhold textbooks or supplies, require any special services from a student, or deny any benefit or privilege. IC 20-33-5-11
Schools cannot withhold diplomas, report cards, transcripts, pre-paid school pictures, or any other services.
Schools have no recourse (collection agency) for unpaid fees against parents/guardians or emancipated students that were either eligible or ineligible for CMA. Past Due or Final Billing notices are not appropriate.
School governing bodies should adopt a policy concerning the allocation of CMA funds that remain after applying the per student amount.