Several Coatesville area schools score pandemic grants

Chester County lawmakers Dan Williams, Danielle Friel-Otten and Kristine Howard announced that Coatesville Area School District, Chester County Intermediate Unit and 21st Century Cyber Charter School each received grant funding to improve educational services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Awardees are schools designated for Additional Targeted Support and Improvement under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act.

Grants were awarded as follows:

• Coatesville Area School District:

• North Brandywine Middle School: $68,542.

• Rainbow Elementary School: $60,320.

•Reeceville Elementary School: $38,494.

• Coatesville Area Senior High School: $56,148.

• Chester County Intermediate Unit: $96,353.

• 21st Century Cyber Charter School: $38,371.

“Ensuring that each student has the tools they need to succeed this academic year will be more complex compared to years prior. I’m proud to see these schools receive this much-needed funding so children can safely continue to learn as we work toward mitigating COVID-19 throughout our community and our commonwealth,” Williams said.

“Pennsylvania’s schools were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and historically underserved students are likely to be the most impacted. I am grateful for this additional funding, which will help ensure a successful, safe and productive start to the school year for students, teachers and staff in our community’s most vulnerable districts,” Otten said.

“As a former child welfare investigator, ensuring the safety and well-being of our community’s youngest residents has always been a top priority of mine. As we continue our fight against COVID-19, it’s crucial that we support students throughout what will likely be a difficult and emotional academic year,” Howard said.

The announcement approves $17 million to help 220 local education agencies, including school districts, throughout the state. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act authorizes governors to determine the educational use of Governor’s Emergency Education Relief

Funds.

Under the Every Students Succeeds Act, states develop plans to designate schools for support based on student groups in key areas, including academic achievement, graduation rate and regular attendance. Student groups include race, economically disadvantaged, English language learners and students with disabilities.

Grants were calculated based on elements of the federal Title I, Part A formula, which includes school enrollment data like the number of economically disadvantaged students.