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Private Schools Consultation

Collaboration with Private Schools

Under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), several federal programs require school districts to provide equitable participation of private school students, teachers, principals and other school leaders. Elementary and secondary private schools, including those in religiously affiliated schools, with non-profit status are eligible to participate in many ESSA programs, as well as IDEA and Perkins V funding programs as applicable.

ESSA programs include:

  • Title I, Part A - Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged
  • Title I, Part C - Education of Migratory Children
  • Title II, Part A - Supporting Effective Instruction
  • Title III, Part A - English Language Acquisition and Language Enhancement
  • Title IV, Part A - Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant
  • Title IV, Part B - 21st Century Community Learning Centers

Section 1117 of ESSA contains provisions that pertain to the participation of students enrolled in private schools under Title I, Part A and Title I, Part C.

Title VIII of ESSA - sections 8501-8506 - contains the Uniform Provisions (Part F) language that pertains to the participation by private school students and other educational personnel in the programs listed above.

Outside of ESSA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Section 1412 (a) (10)) and the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) - Section 217, also contain similar requirements for equitable participation of private schools.

More information regarding private school participation in federal programs can be found in the district's Private School Consultation & Program Coordination Handbook (see link below). In addition, a summary of federal programs and forms required as part of the initial collaboration process are available for download below.

Consultation for the 2025-2026 School Year

An informational meeting is scheduled from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM on October 29, 2024 for nonprofit private schools to learn more about participating in available federal programs. Details about the informational session will be emailed directly to schools which are located in Seminole County and are listed on the Florida Department of Education Private School Directory.

To participate in available federal programs, private schools must Complete the Federal Programs Interest Form and submit proof of nonprofit status.  Documentation of nonprofit status may be uploaded when submitting the Federal Programs Interest Form.

Additional Information:

Federal Programs Contact List 2025-2026

Federal Program Primary Contact Secondary Contact(s)

Title I, Part A – Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Education Agencies

Laura Birle
Specialist I
Federal Projects/Title I
laura_birle@scps.k12.fl.us
407-320-0534

Jason Galitsky
Coordinator
Federal Projects/Title I
galitsjz@scps.k12.fl.us
407-320-0252

Title II, Part A – Supporting Effective Instruction

Edna Casella
Specialist I
Instructional Projects and Programs
edna_casella@scps.k12.fl.us
407-320-0155

Michael Alba
Director
Teaching & Learning
albame@scps.k12.fl.us
407-320-0186

Title III, Part A – Supplementary Instructional Support for English Language Learners (ELLs) and Immigrant Students

Minnie Cardona, Ed.S.
Director
ESOL/World Languages
minnie_cardona@scps.k12.fl.us
407-320-0200

Aurea Catala
Bookkeeper
ESOL/World Languages
catalaay@scps.k12.fl.us
407-320-0202

Title IV, Part A – Student Support and Academic Enrichment

Nicola Williams, Ph.D.
Coordinator
School Counseling & Educational Pathways Services
nicola_williams@scps.k12.fl.us
407-320-0259

Shawn Gard-Harrold, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent
Educational Pathways
shawn_gard-harrold@scps.k12.fl.us
407-320-0265

Title IV, Part B – 21st Century Community Learning Centers

Laura Birle
Specialist I
Federal Projects/Title I
laura_birle@scps.k12.fl.us
407-320-0534

Jason Galitsky
Coordinator
Federal Projects/Title I
galitsjz@scps.k12.fl.us
407-320-0252

IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Sheri Fanelli
Administrator
Exceptional Student Education
sheri_fanelli@scps.k12.fl.us
407-320-2032

Juliene McDonald
Director
Exceptional Student Education
juliene_mcdonald@scps.k12.fl.us
407-320-2008

Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act

(Perkins V)

Allie Hilliard
Coordinator
K-12 Career Education & Readiness Initiatives
allie_hillard@scps.k12.fl.us
407-320-0386

Shawn Gard-Harrold, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent
Educational Pathways
shawn_gard-harrold@scps.k12.fl.us
407-320-0265