Welcome to Federal Programs


The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was first passed in 1965, becoming the U.S. Department of Education’s primary funding vehicle for providing resources to the nation’s schools. Every few years since 1965, the “Act” has been modified and reauthorized. Consequently, since it has been a reauthorization of the same Act, the general name, ESEA, has remained the same. The most recent act, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama on December 10, 2015.

The major federal educational programs authorized under the ESEA/ESSA are Title I, Part A; Title I, Part C; Title I, Part D; Title II, Part A; Title III, Title IV Subpart 1 & 2; Title V, Subpart 1 & 2; and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act.

OPI Title Program Funding Guide Contact Us For Support Ed-Flex Waiver Application ESEA Consolidated Application Returned How-To Video ESEA Consolidated Application Returned Instructions

Title VI, Part A 

Electronic Application System for Indian Education (EASIE) FY 2026-27 State Education Application Review Process

NEW process for Native American Title  Formula Grant Applications:  For LEA and LEA Consortium applicants only, proposed projects must be developed with the review of the State Education Agency (SEA)—the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI).  Before submitting an application to the Department, LEA applicants shall submit a copy of the application to the OPI for review.  The OPI may comment on the application.  If the OPI comments, the OPI shall provide the LEA with an opportunity to respond.  LEA applicants are required to identify on the certification page whether the SEA (OPI) reviewed their application by selecting the “LEA and LEA Consortiums Only:  EASIE Part II application was reviewed by applicant’s SEA prior to certification” checkbox.      

To complete the SEA review process, email a copy of the generated EASIE Part II PDF file to ESSAinput@mt.gov.  The PDF file can be unlocked and downloaded using the password applicants received via email from OIE.EASIE@ed.gov.  Submit the PDF for OPI review no later than May 6, 2026 to ensure SEA can review the applications in a timely manner before the application due date to the Department.  

For any questions or technical support regarding the application process, refer to EASIE guidance or call the Partner Support Center (PSC) Telephone: 866-731-4711 Email: OIE.EASIE@ed.gov.   


OPI Staff are here to help!

Zach HawkinsTitle I and Federal Programs Director, Private School Ombudsman, 406-444-3083

Angela Branz-Spall, Title I, Part C Migrant Education Director, 406-444-2423

Kimberly RebichFederal Grants Coordinator, 406-410-4578

 Justine Guthrie, Title IX McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Coordinator, 406-444-2036

Marisa Britton-BostwickTitle I, Part D, Title II, Title III, and Title V Specialist, Foster Care Point of Contact, 406-444-0794

Amber Buchanan, Title & School Support Analyst, 406-444-2736

Richard HanleyTitle IV, Part A Program Specialist, 406-444-3519

Meet the Federal Programs Team