AP/IB Test Fee Reimbursement Information

On Friday, February 20, Governor Schwarzenegger signed the 2008 – 09 and 2009-10 budgets. A letter from Superintendent O'Connell regarding this action was sent to all Superintendents, Charter School Administrators, and Chief Business Officers on February 25 (copy attached).

This budget action has the following impact on the AP/IB Test Fee Reimbursement Program:

1. The State AP Test Fee Reimbursement funds are now considered "flexible" and local education agencies may redirect these funds to any educational purpose through 2013.

2. If your district received reimbursement in 2008-09 for the May 2008 AP/IB test fees then, consistent with past categorical flexibility, your district will receive State funds equivalent to this amount (subject to future reductions as determined by the Legislature for five years (2008-09 through 2012-13).

3. In December, 2008, the CDE submitted the annual application to the USDOE for Federal Funds for the May 2009 exams. We are waiting for the actual award amount for California. These funds can only be used for Option I students, Federal Funds are not available for Option II students.

     To assist Option II students, schools could use a portion of the State flexibility dollars to assist these students for the May 2009 and future exams.

5. All schools, including Charter Schools, are eligible to apply for reimbursement with Federal funds.

6. To ensure eligibility for Option I students, follow the federal guidelines for the National School Lunch Act and use gross family income.