TO: Local Participants in Agricultural Education Teacher Three Circle Grant Program 
RE: Fiscal Year 2023 Ag Teacher Three Circle Grant Guidance 

ISBE recently released the initial allocations for the Fiscal Year 2023 Teacher Three Circle Grant program. Requests for funding exceeded the total budgeted amount for this program in FY23. $3.2 million is budgeted for this program in FY23, representing an increase of approximately $300,000 from FY22. However, requests for funding in FY23 exceed $3.4 million. This unanticipated increase in participation and funding requests will require allocations to be prorated in FY23 at approximately 93.4% funding.  

More information regarding the funding, work requirements, budgeting, and other items related to this change can be found in the questions and answers on the Three Circles FAQ page. Some important highlights are included below. If you have further questions, please reach out to your local FCAE Program Advisor, or contact Andrew Klein directly at ISBE.  

Quick answers and highlights to note: 

• Original budget applications are due in IWAS by September 15, 2022 
• Teachers are still required to complete and document 400 work hours 
• Partnering schools are still required to contribute the original match requirement 
• Incentive funding can be used to supplement teacher salary/benefits (up to 50% of IFG) 
• A new salary match worksheet is available here, with a new tab for prorated allocations 
• Funds made available later will be added to Three Circles until 100% funding is reached 

Other Relevant Questions Answered in the Three Circles FAQ Document: 

• How do I complete my payment schedule in IWAS? 
• How do I account for an overage of funds in my payment schedule? 
• How do I complete my IWAS budget details with a prorated allocation? 
• Who do I contact with questions regarding TRS or retirement? 
• Who can help me with my IWAS budget application and match worksheet? 
• Can I use incentive funds for teacher salary and benefits? 
• How do I know the prorated amount for individual teachers? (multi-teacher districts only) 

ISBE apologizes for any confusion in the prorating of this grant. The demand for this program is both encouraging and demonstrative of the growth of agricultural education in Illinois. If you have questions or concerns, please contact ISBE directly at the information below. 

Andrew T. Klein 
Principal Consultant for AFNR 
Illinois State Board of Education  
100 N. 1^st St. Springfield, IL 62777 
E: aklein@isbe.net 
P: 217-782-0361 

(sent to ag teachers, superintendents, principals, grant administrators, EFE directors, ICAE, ILCAE, FFA alumni, website subscribers)