Fox Wants To Reject Federal Funds

State Schools Superintendent Anne Fox says she will advise the state Board of Education next week she wants to reject nearly a half-million in federal funds under the Goals 2000 program.

In a statement released Thursday, Fox said it would be “fiscally irresponsible” to take $448,714 in federal funds under the guidelines for using it. But the board could deal with the funds without any involvement by Fox’s office.

She said the law requires funding for ongoing operations of the Idaho School Reform Committee, development of a federally approved state plan, and creation of a grant program to local districts that meets federal approval.

“Recent experience with the Gun-Free Schools Act attests to the ability of the federal Department of Education to usurp local school districts control even at the building level,” her statement said.

She said 40 percent of the grant was to go to her department to develop a statewide plan, and 60 percent to carry out plans. None of the money was to go to instruction or to provide services to students.

“The Goals 2000 grant funds a process that will duplicate efforts by four previous school improvement committees who have written four improvement plans and recommendations,” Fox’s statement said.

The Board of Education meets Tuesday in Boise. Fox said she will present a position paper to the board urging them to reject the money. Fox is a voting member of the board, which already has voted to accept the money.