GATA 101 for LEAs
By Kristopher R. Pickford
Director of GATA
Illinois State Board of Education
Introduction to GATA
School administrators were under a lot of pressure as they managed increased funding during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both state and federal agencies allocated billions of dollars in grant funds to assist Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in navigating competing priorities for health, safety and education services. It is essential to apply a risk-based, data-driven approach that balances an increase in reporting and accountability to maximize the value of state and federal funds. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), which acts as a steward of those funds, prioritizes proactive communication and supportive services to our network of grantees. We hope to expand those services by discussing the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA).
It is essential to apply a risk-based, data-driven approach that balances an increase in reporting and accountability to maximize the value of state and federal funds.