An Ohio Education and Workforce bulletin dated Oct. 5, 2026, says the FY28 Nonpublic Data System federal reporting window is open. District uploads begin Oct. 9, and the window closes Nov. 13, 2026. Ohio now uses a combined state and federal reporting window.
Nonpublic schools may opt into federal programs, choose districts and buildings for reporting, and upload ADM Excel files. Federal participation forms and consultation guides are not expected until February.
Public districts are urged to contact every nonpublic school with enrolled students and begin FY28 consultation. The bulletin recommends sharing the notice with schools listed on the FY27 CCIP Title I Nonpublic School Service page, discussing grant data and deciding how low-income counts will be reported. Districts should monitor NPDS, confirm partner schools reach Federal ADM Submitted status, and verify uploads now.
A training on nonpublic updates and data verification is set for Oct. 8, 2026, 9 to 10 a.m.; local education agencies are encouraged to attend with nonpublic partners. The bulletin says nonpublic schools should select only districts with federally disaggregated data, including low-income, English Learner, immigrant and eligible children with disabilities counts. State ADM is used for Title II-A and Title IV-A calculations, so not every child must appear on the Federal Participation tab.
Under ESEA, public districts must determine accurate low-income counts for children in participating Title I attendance areas to allocate Title I funds. The National School Lunch Program is the usual method, but many nonpublic schools do not participate; the Ohio Household Income verification form may be used instead. Nonpublic schools report free-lunch or equivalent and reduced-lunch or equivalent counts by grade and public school building of residence. Public districts verify those counts and ultimately must ensure accuracy.
Districts planning FY28 changes affecting eligibility, rank order or services should consult nonpublic schools now. Non-chartered nonpublic guidance is available, and districts must make initial contact within their boundaries. Monthly open office hours for nonpublic equitable services run the first Wednesday, 10 to 11 a.m., September through May. Chantelle Carter, the nonpublic ombudsman, will take questions; public and nonpublic officials may attend.