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Nonpublic Textbook Program

The Nonpublic Textbook Program provides secular textbooks and computer hardware and software for loan to participating nonpublic schools and provides additional funding to nonpublic schools in which a portion of the student enrollment qualifies for free or reduced-price meals. 

The program is the gateway to other MSDE programs for nonpublic schools, such as the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, Nonpublic Aging Schools Program (NASP) and Nonpublic School Security Improvement (NSSI) Program.


Who is eligible?

This funding opportunity is designed for nonpublic schools registered to operate in the state of Maryland. To be eligible to participate, a nonpublic school must complete the online application, and

  • Hold a certificate of approval from or be registered with the State Board of Education;

  • Not charge more tuition to a participating student than the statewide average per pupil expenditure, which is calculated by MSDE to be $18,153, with appropriate exceptions for special education students; and 

  • Has incorporated language into its student handbook as required by Annotated Code of Maryland Code, Education Article §26-704(c).


How are funding allocations determined?

Funding allocations are determined using the following formula based on the percentage of student enrollment who qualify for Free and Reduced Meals (FARMs):


​Priority

​Funding Amount Per Eligible Student

​Less than 20% of the total enrollment of eligible students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals
$65 per eligible student
Between 20-40% of the total enrollment of eligible students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals
$95 per eligible student
At least 41% of the total enrollment of eligible students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals
$155 per eligible student


FARMs student enrollment is self-reported by the schools and is based on the results of surveys conducted by the schools. A nonpublic school that does not participate in the FARMs program may use other household income data from an approved data source provided that the income level demonstrates income eligibility. 


How can the funds be used?

MSDE does not distribute funds to nonpublic schools. Rather, MSDE orders and pays for the textbooks and computer hardware or software from qualified vendors on behalf of the nonpublic schools. The materials requested must be for loan to students for individual student use, must be secular in character, and must be acceptable for use in any public elementary or secondary school in Maryland.


Funds can be used for:

Funds cannot be used for:

  • Secular textbooks
  • Manipulatives for individual student use that accompany curriculum
  • Technology hardware for individual student use
  • Technology software for individual student use

  • Food
  • Tuition or scholarships
  • Construction or capital improvements
  • Salaries
  • Utilities or operating costs
  • Materials that contain religious content
  • Items not for loan to students for individual use
Examples: textbooks, workbooks, leveled readers, classroom library books, tablets, laptops, headphone sets, puzzles, manipulatives, math block sets, student and teacher licenses to learning websites, etc.
Examples: interactive white boards, televisions, playground equipment, software for teacher or parent use, furniture, rugs, laminating machines, printers, tables, etc.

How does that work?

Participating nonpublic schools place orders electronically through an online portal. MSDE program staff review the schools’ requisitions. If they are approved, then they are converted by MSDE into contracts (purchase orders) with vendors. Materials are drop-shipped by vendors directly to the schools, and the schools affix MSDE property labels to the materials. MSDE makes payments directly to the vendors. Schools must confirm delivery of items.


Where can I go for questions?

MSDE will hold several customer service support sessions for interested applicants. During these sessions, MSDE personnel will review what applicants need to get started, the program requirements, as well as a walk-through of the application. To attend a session, click a session link below:


Sessions for Nonpublic Schools on the application process:


Sessions for Nonpublic Schools on the ordering process:


How can I receive alerts about upcoming programs?

Alerts about programs for nonpublic schools are sent to the email address on record through the Nonpublic Approval Branch at MSDE. Not receiving emails? It could be that we don’t have accurate contact information for your school. Keep your school’s contact information up-to-date by completing this form.

What information do you have for vendors?

Vendors must email the invoice to invoice.msde@maryland.gov. Please ensure that the purchase order number (PO#) is noted on the invoice. MSDE is a tax-exempt organization, so please ensure that taxes are not included. 

Electronic payment is faster! Vendors are encouraged to get set up to receive electronic payments by completing the Comptroller of Maryland's ACH/Direct Deposit form and mailing it to the address on the form.


Can a new vendor be added?

Yes, a new vendor can be added to the program. The vendor needs to send an email to nptextbook.msde@maryland.gov with their company name, contact first name and last name, email, phone number, and a pdf of their W-9. It may also be required for the vendor to send documentation demonstrating that the information on the W-9 is correct. This may be in the form of a previous invoice, a signed contract, a utility bill, or a pdf of their webpage or catalog. It can take up to a couple of weeks to add your information, so it should be sent to us as soon as possible.


Sessions for Vendors:

MSDE will hold several customer service support sessions for participating vendors. During these sessions, MSDE personnel will review ordering and payment processes. To attend a session, click a session link below. See the dates and times below: 



Contact:

Sandra Grant
Program Manager, Office of Grants Administration & Compliance
(410) 767-0444
nptextbook.msde@maryland.gov


Nicole Obregon
Special Fiscal Programs Administrator, Office of Grants Administration & Compliance
(410) 767-2939
nptextbook.msde@maryland.gov