FEDERAL IMPACT AID PROGRAM SURVEY DATE:
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2024
The Federal Impact Aid Program Survey is designed to assist local school districts who have lost revenue due to Federal properties exemption from local property taxes. Financial assistance is determined by calculating the concentration of students who reside on military bases, low-rent housing properties, Indian lands, and other Federal properties, have parents in the uniformed services, or have parents employed on eligible Federal properties.
In Hawai‘i, Federal Impact Aid helps offset costs for school materials and resources, substitute teachers, student transportation, school utilities such as electricity, and other services at schools statewide. All students and schools benefit from Impact Aid.
The Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE) Federal Impact Aid Program Survey date for SY 2024-2025 is scheduled for September 4, 2024.
Common questions about Impact Aid
What is Impact Aid?
- The Federal Impact Aid Program is authorized by Title VIII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). It has existed since 1950.
- The program provides funding aid to partially reimburse school districts that lose revenue (income, sales or property taxes) due to the presence of tax-free federal properties (i.e., low-income housing, military installations/housing, native American lands, national parks).
- The reimbursement helps make up for some of the cost of educating so-called federally connected students, those whose parents live on or work on federal properties.
Are Impact Aid funds used to benefit my child’s public education?
Yes. Schools with federally connected students are funded in the same manner as schools without federally connected students. The receipt of Impact Aid funds allows the school system to provide a higher level of service for all students than would otherwise be possible.
How does the Department use Impact Aid funds?
These federal reimbursements for a portion of the cost of serving federally connected students are critical in supporting all Hawai‘i public schools and students.
Historically, funding has offset costs for Hawai‘i Common Core-aligned curriculum resources, student transportation, school utilities (electricity), teacher substitutes, the Military Liaison program, school portables and other services.
Note: Substitute teachers required for schools due to employees being out sick or on leave are centrally paid for all schools, as are expenses such as utilities, student transportation and others.
If not for the receipt of these federal funds, the Hawai‘i school system would have $40 million to $50 million less a year to operate with, and would need to reduce support for all schools to pay all its expenses.
What does it mean to be federally connected?
- Active duty military, including National Guards and Reservists on active duty, and foreign military
- Working on federal lands
- Living on federal low-rent housing
- Living on federal land
Why do I have to fill it out when I'm not federally connected?
The information on the completed form helps determine if a parent/guardian resides or works on federal property. The survey is distributed annually to about 170,000 students statewide, across all islands, and schools. The goal is a 100% return rate. Your support in the completion of the Survey form is appreciated by schools in an effort to meet their goal.
Why do I have to fill it out when it doesn't help my child specifically?
Every Hawai‘i public school and each student benefits from the federal Impact Aid funding. Please see:
"How does the Department use Impact Aid funds?" above.
Why aren’t funds allocated to my child’s school, specifically for my child?
In Hawai‘i, a Weighted Student Formula (WSF) allocates funds equitably to schools based on enrollment and the needs of individual students.
Impact Aid funds are general aid for statewide expenditures. School districts file for Impact Aid tax reimbursements after expenses have been incurred. The process is similar to an individual who annually files for federal taxes after the tax year has been completed.
Is my information confidential?
All information provided on the survey will be confidential and hard copies will be destroyed in accordance with federal guidelines.
Does the federal reimbursement cover the full cost of educating a federally connected student?
No. Impact Aid funds partially reimburse the Department for the cost of educating federally connected students.
In the 2022-23 school year, the average cost to educate a public school student in Hawai‘i was approximately $19,411. However, the average reimbursement received for a federally connected student was $2,113, or 10.89 percent of the total cost. Hawai‘i taxpayers funded the remaining balance.
In the 2022-23 school year, Hawai‘i public schools benefited from more than $46.78 million in federal Impact Aid, thanks to more than 22,100 families who filled out their Survey form. In Hawai‘i, Impact Aid helps offset costs for school materials and resources, substitute teachers, student transportation, school utilities such as electricity, and other services at schools statewide. All students and all schools benefit from Impact Aid.
How do we know how many federally connected students there are?
Parents of Hawai‘i public school students are encouraged to complete and return the Federal Impact Aid Program Survey form to their school. Surveys should be filled out and returned as soon as they are received. However, schools will accept them throughout the school year. If you have not received the Survey form, please contact your child's school.
I'm an active duty military member or civilian that works on a military installation or property, and I'm not sure what my workplace address is. How do I find it?
For more information on Impact Aid, please visit https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-formula-grants/impact-aid-program/.
If you have any questions, please contact your child's school or call (808) 564-6000 and ask for the Federal Survey Section.
