Archived Information

School Finance: Circuit Breaker

Tuition Invoice Elements for FY07 Bills

MEMORANDUM

During the implementation of the Special Education Circuit Breaker program, we conducted audits to verify claimed costs. During the course of the audits a number of findings were noted about the billing and payment process. In an effort to reduce audit findings and provide a better understanding of this process, Department staff met with the Massachusetts Association of 766 Approved Private Schools (MAAPS) and the Massachusetts Administrators for Special Education (ASE). The results of the meetings were that it would be helpful for us to provide, at a minimum, elements that should be included on bills to local school districts. Consequently, we are requesting that the following elements be included on all FY07 tuition invoices issued to Massachusetts school districts:

1. School/Program Name

2. School/Program Code

3. Billing Period

4. Cost of Billing Period (indicating daily rate and number of days in billing period)

5. Student SASID Number

6. School District issued Purchase Order Number

It should be noted that local districts may require additional information from vendors. It is our hope that this information will assist districts clarifying the billing and payment process.

I would like to thank the Massachusetts Association of 766 Approved Private Schools and the Massachusetts Administrators for Special Education for their assistance in this effort. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.