(Lincoln, Neb.) PHOTO GALLERY - Gov. Dave Heineman was joined by state leaders today in outlining how the state will utilize federal Education Jobs Funding passed earlier this month by Congress, noting that Governors have no choice whether to accept the money or not in a state. State officials emphasized that this funding will be considered part of a school district’s FY 2012 state aid.

"Education funding will be distributed to every state that qualifies. I have been working with Senator Greg Adams, Senator Lavon Heidemann and Commissioner Roger Breed to determine the best use of these funds and we have briefed superintendents, teachers and school board representatives on this issue," Gov. Heineman said.

The state’s share of federal funding is expected to be made available to school districts through the state aid formula via a separate bill, which will be introduced in the 2011 legislative session. Nebraska will receive $58.9 million during the 2010-11 school year.

Guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education clarified that schools with remaining funding at the end of the current school year have the option of using it during FY 2012.

Nebraska qualifies for federal education funding because state tax collections during the 2009 calendar year were less than 2006 tax collections. Nebraska is applying by committing that funding for school districts during FY 2011 will meet or exceed 2006 funding levels, which was $700 million