(1) In order to receive federal funds under IDEA, a local educational agency shall annually submit an application to the Superintendent of Public Instruction in accordance with application instructions and within announced timelines.

(a) A local educational agency may submit a single district application if it has:

(i) an entitlement of $7500 or more; and

(ii) established, satisfactory to the Superintendent of Public Instruction, special education and related services which provide a free appropriate public education to students with disabilities.

(b) A local educational agency that participates in an education cooperative under 20-7-451 and 20-7-457, MCA, shall submit one consolidated application through the cooperative.

(c) A local educational agency that generates an entitlement of less than $7500 or that is unable to establish and maintain programs of sufficient size and scope to effectively meet the educational needs of students with disabilities shall participate in one consolidated application with other local educational agencies.

(2) A consolidated application must meet the same requirements as a single district application.

(a) If the cooperative interlocal agreement does not specifically delegate the power to apply for IDEA funds on behalf of the participating local educational agency to a prime applicant, each participating local educational agency must delegate to the prime applicant the authority to apply for IDEA funds.

(3) If a local educational agency makes a significant amendment to its application, the local educational agency shall follow the procedures for submitting an original application under IDEA. The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall follow the same review and approval procedures as required for an original application.