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Title V, Part B Alternative Fund Use Authority

The Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) Alternative Fund Use Authority (AFUA).

The Alternative Fund Use Authority (AFUA) (ESSA Section 5211[c][1][2]) allows Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) that are eligible for the Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) program the flexibility in use of funds received under Title II, Part A and Title IV, Part A.

Eligibility

If eligible for SRSA, the LEA may participate in the AFUA. In other words, all SRSA eligible LEAs may use Title II, Part A and Title IV, Part A funds to carry out local activities under any of the allowable uses for SRSA grant funds (ESSA Section 5211[b][1]). An LEA that meets the SRSA program eligibility requirements may use Title II, Part A or Title IV, Part A funds alternatively without approval. Dual–eligible LEAs may use the AFUA even if electing to participate in the Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS) program, instead of the SRSA program.

Notification

All eligible LEAs that decide to participate in the AFUA shall notify the California Department of Education (CDE) through the Consolidated Application and Reporting System (CARS) Application for Funding form during the Spring Release (ESSA Section 5211[a][2]).

Alternative Use of Funds

An eligible LEA may use Title II, Part A and Title IV, Part A funding to carry out local activities authorized under any of the following provisions:

  • Title I, Part A;
  • Title II, Part A;
  • Title III; and
  • Title IV, Part A or B (ESSA Section 5211[A][1]).

For additional use of funds information regarding Title I, Part A, please visit the CDE Title I, Part A Authorized Use of Funds web page.

For additional use of funds information regarding Title II, Part A, please visit the CDE Title II, Part A web page.

For additional use of funds information regarding Title III, please visit the CDE Title III Authorized Costs web page.

For additional use of funds information regarding Title IV, Part A, please visit the CDE Title IV, Part A Authorized Use of Funds web page.

Resources

Title V, Part B Authorized Use of Funds

U.S. Department of Education Small, Rural Achievement Program Uses of Funds External link opens in new window or tab.

U.S. Department of Education REAP Uses of Funds and AFUA Presentation External link opens in new window or tab.

U.S. Department of Education REAP Informational Document - Appendix C: AFUA and Transferability Guidelines for REAP LEAs External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF)

Questions:   Patricia Ramirez | 916-319-0787 | REAP@cde.ca.gov
Last Reviewed: Thursday, April 24, 2025
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