State grant - b (611)

The Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services awarded the Maine Department of Education $22.413 million on July 1, 2026, under the Special Education Grants to States program (CFDA 84.027), a formula grant designed to assist states in providing special education and related services to children with disabilities aged 3 through 21.

The Maine Department of Education, as the state education agency, receives this award to serve as the prime grantee and distribute funds to local educational agencies, school districts, charter schools, and community-based providers across Maine's 16 counties. The program requires Maine to serve all eligible children with disabilities within the state while maintaining free appropriate public education (FAPE) standards. The award obligates $22.413 million with a period of performance through September 30, 2027, with place of performance in Augusta, Maine. The Maine Department of Education retains funds for administration and state-level activities before making subgrants to eligible local educational agencies. Recipients must retain records related to grant funds and compliance for three years from submission of the final expenditure report.