11 public schools get millions in relief funding

Eleven school districts in Chester County will receive more than $2.1 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief.

The funds, part of a $49.8 million statewide program, will help school districts with costs related to the COVID pandemic. They were approved this week by the Pennsylvania School Safety and Security Committee.

“These funds will help better equip local schools in addressing the ongoing challenges of the pandemic and protecting students, teachers, and staff,” said state Sen. Andrew Dinniman, D-19th, of West Whiteland, who serves as Minority Chair of the Senate Education Committee. “I will also continue to advocate for funding and resources for our non-public and the brick-and-mortar charter schools as they continue to responding to the same issues and challenges as a result of the virus.”

The school districts in Chester County receiving funds are as follows:

• Avon Grove: $169,077

• Coatesville: $267,717

• Downingtown: $406,587

• Great Valley: $139,105

• Kennett Consolidated: $120,996

• Octorara Area: $66,851

• Oxford Area: $112,488

• Phoenixville: $133,548

• Tredyffrin-Easttown: $223,652

• Unionville ChaddsFord: $115,554

• West Chester: $377,181

In May 2020, the General Assembly approved $200 million in funding for school entities. $150 million, which came from the CARES distribution, has already been distributed to schools. The remaining $49.8 million from ESSER was on hold, awaiting approval from the U.S. Department of Education.

School districts can use the money for any of the following purposes:

• Purchasing of cleaning and sanitizing products that meet CDC or PA Department of Health criteria.

• Training and professional development of staff on sanitation and minimizing the spread of infectious disease.

• Purchasing of equipment, including PPE, thermometers, infrared cameras and other necessary cameras.

• Modification of existing areas to effectuate appropriate social distancing to ensure the health and safety of students and staff.

• Providing mental health services and supports, including traumainformed approaches for students impacted by COVID.

• Purchasing educational technology for distance learning to ensure continuity of education.