Statements of Actual Cost are due next July, but you can (and should) take steps right now to ensure a smooth filing.
- Identify students who may qualify. Identifying students early will best prepare you for the process. Good candidates are students who are (a) expected to return for 2025-2026 and (b) receiving special education services with costs likely to exceed the full scholarship payment ($15,409 for 2024-2025). In practice, this typically includes students with one-on-one paraprofessional support, significant minutes of therapy or specialized instruction, and/or extensive adaptations and modifications.
- Update students’ Service Agreements to reflect all services and support. DPI will cross reference Statements of Actual Cost with students’ Service Agreements this summer. Expenses are allowable only after the date on which they are added to a Service Agreement, complete with updated signatures. Ensure now that all items are included in your students’ Service Agreements, and establish a process to ensure new services and supports are added to Service Agreements before initiation or purchase.
- Track all expenses and gather supporting documentation throughout the year. Statements of Actual Cost require copies of all related invoices and payroll records or compensation agreements. In addition, for staff serving multiple students, schools must have a system for logging staff time to determine the proper allocation of related expenses.
For more detailed guidance on using a Statement of Actual Cost to support students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, access our webinar in conjunction with School Choice Wisconsin. For direct support on this topic, contact us at info@firemke.org.