U.S. gives Puerto Rico education funds

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Puerto Rico’s government on Monday was granted access to more than $900 million in federal education funds less than two weeks after reopening dozens of public and private schools for the first time since the pandemic began.

While the $912 million is available immediately, the U.S. Department of Education will work with Puerto Rico officials to identify how the money would be used to address the academic, social, emotional and mental health needs of students in the U.S. territory, according to a spokeswoman for Jenniffer Gonzalez, the island’s congressional representative.

Further details, including whether the money could be used to buy things including computers or face masks, were not immediately available. Officials with Puerto Rico’s education department did not return a message for comment.

The money comes as Puerto Rico continues to struggle as it recovers and rebuilds from the 2017 hurricanes Irma and Maria and a string of strong earthquakes that began in late 2019 and destroyed or damaged dozens of schools. Then the pandemic hit forcing hundreds of private and public schools to close as teachers and students alike struggled with power outages and spotty or nonexistent internet connections amid virtual learning.

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi authorized the reopening of certain public and private schools this month to some students, but scarce attendance was reported amid fears of contagion.