Transcript for: “Payment Basics” video. Slide 3 The Department of Education makes McKay Scholarship payments in four equal installments, as directed by statute (September 1, November 1, February 1 and April 1). McKay Scholarship payments are made by individual warrant (check) payable to the student’s parent or guardian and shipped by the Department of Education to the private school of the parent’s choice. Slide 4 Florida statute requires that a private school must register and enroll a new student at least 30 days prior to the first quarterly scholarship payment to be eligible for funds. Also, statute requires that a student’s intent to participate in the scholarship program be filed at least 60 days before the first payment received. Slide 5 Each year, the September 1st payment is based on students enrolled by the August 2 deadline. Subsequent payments are made upon verification of attendance. Private schools must verify attendance through the School Choice website during specified periods prior to payment. Remember to check the McKay Scholarship Important Deadlines calendar each year and note any changes to Attendance Verification dates. Slide 6 The amount of a student’s McKay scholarship will be the amount calculated as the state max (based on Matrix, county, and grade level) OR the amount of the private school’s submitted tuition and fees, whichever is LESS. Slide 7 District Verification is another factor in the payment process for McKay scholarships. Prior to each payment, district personnel compare a list of scholarship students from their district with public school student enrollment in the district. Scholarship students who are also on the district public school list will not receive payment. Slide 8 Once all of the deadlines and verifications have been met, the scholarship payments will be shipped to the private schools by the dates established in statute. Private schools should contact the parent or guardian whose name is on the payment, and he or she must come into the school and sign the check to the private school for deposit into the school’s account. This procedure is known as “restrictive endorsement.” Review the technical assistance section of the School Choice website for additional information on restrictive endorsement and other payment topics. Slide 9 For more information on this topic, contact our office at (800) 447-1636 or email us at schoolchoice@fldoe.org.