Wisconsin schools may get $175M from CARES Act
State leaders approved a plan to allocate nearly $175 million in CARES Act funding to K-12 schools to improve virtual education and mental health services during the coronavirus crisis.
Most of the money will be distributed to state public and private schools, while the state Department of Public Instruction will put 10% toward training teachers on virtual education and to increase the number of classes that can be offered virtually.
Chris Bucher, a DPI spokesman, said the state will still need to apply to the U.S. Department of Education to receive the funding, though the committee approval is still an important step in the process.
“If and when we get approval for those funds, the DPI has an application it has to write for local education authorities to receive the funds,” he said.
The plan to invest in virtual learning could have implications beyond the coronavirus closures. Such learning could also be implemented on snow days and other times when schools can’t physically be in session.
The department would also retain $350,000 for administrative purposes.
In a news release, State Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, thanked teachers for their hard work during difficult times. Nygren co-chairs the Joint Committee on Finance, which approved DPI’s plan Wednesday.
“As teachers and students around the state adapt to virtual learning, these much needed funds will play an important role in ensuring the continuity of education for our students,” Nygren said.