Shusterman applauds $8 million in funding to help schools return to in-person learning

PAOLI >> State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-157th, of Schuylkill, announced that three schools in her legislative district received a total of $9.15 million in federal relief funds, which will help get students back into the classroom full time.

Spring-Ford School District received $4.3 million; Tredyffrin-Easttown School District received $1.5 million and Phoenixville School District received $3.3 million.

“It’s promising to see this multimillion-dollar investment into our local school districts as we work toward restoring a sense of normalcy in Pennsylvania,” Shusterman said. “This funding will help get students back into the classroom for in-person learning five days a week while following the necessary mitigation measures to protect everyone’s health and safety.”

Schools must use at least 20 percent of the money to address learning loss and the social, emotional and academic needs of underrepresented students, including students from lowincome families, students with disabilities, English learners, migrant students, students without permanent housing and children in foster care.

Schools may use the rest of the funding for a wide range of activities, including food service, professional training, technology purchases, sanitization and cleaning supplies, summer and after-school programs, and mental health supports.

The funding is part of the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden.

Shusterman