The OU/IPA has engaged with senior Obama Administration officials to secure new practices by the U.S. Department of Education that will better deliver federally funded education services to eligible students in Jewish day schools and other nonpublic schools.

Nathan Diament, OU Executive Director for Public Policy, has led these discussions with senior White House and Education Dept. officials.  In June, 2012, a delegation of OU leaders who met with President Obama at The White House discussed the matter directly with him, and in September, 2012Nathan Diament discussed it with Education Secretary Arne Duncan.

Today, the Department of Education sent a letter to public and private education officials across the United States announcing a new “Equitable Services Implementation Plan.”  The plan is designed to increase delivery of eligible services though increased outreach, promotion of best practices, technical assistance and monitoring and oversight.  In the coming months, Department officials will roll out the plan further through briefings and other means.

In response to the Department’s announcement, Nathan Diament stated:

“Today’s announcement by the Department of Education is an important and pragmatic first step in improving the delivery of federally funded educational services to the nonpublic schools students who are entitled to receive them.  We appreciate the collaborative relationship we have had with White House and Department officials on this project, and we look forward to working with them to ensure its successful implementation.”