Section 555.50  Criteria for the Review of Initial Proposals

a)         Applications for initial funding shall be evaluated in accordance with the following criteria:

1)         Project Implementation and Management (50 points)

A)        The proposed project is likely to result in a student mental health support system that will assist the district in identifying and meeting the mental health needs of students through collaboration with other community agencies that serve children and address mental health issues.

B)        The proposed amount of time for services is appropriate for the number of students likely to be served, and the staff and partnerships to be dedicated to this initiative have the capacity to provide this level of service.

C)        The proposed objectives and timelines for conducting the activities of the project, including those of any subcontractors, adequately match the project's goals.

2)         Need (35 points)

The applicant has a significant need for the grant that cannot be met through use of existing resources, as evidenced by data that substantiate:

A)        the level and nature of need among members of the student population; and

B)        the district's need for additional resources to address gaps in school mental health services.

3)         Cost-Effectiveness (15 points)

The proposed budget is cost-effective, as evidenced by the cost of the proposed activities in relation to the numbers to be served and the services to be provided.  The criteria used in selecting schools for participation will contribute to achieving the widest possible impact.

b)         Among proposals that receive substantially equal rankings, priority will be given to districts in which more than 50 percent of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches.