Feds release relief money for schools
The U.S. Department of Education on Thursday released $1.6 billion for Pennsylvania schools after approving Pennsylvania’s plan for the federal COVID relief money.
The state’s plan details how those funds will safely reopen schools, sustain their operation and equitably expand opportunity for students who need it most, particularly those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release from the department.
“The pandemic created great disruptions in our education system, leaving schools with the significant task of keeping their communities safe, while also meeting the academic and social-emotional needs of their students,” Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., said in the news release. “The school year is quickly approaching, and these resources will help ensure that our children can safely return to school in the fall and receive the support they need to succeed after a challenging year.”
Pennsylvania’s plan prioritizes mental health supports for students, educators and staff; improving equity in access in remote learning, and addressing instructional and learning inequities; and addressing staffing shortages, according to a highlight of the plan provided by the Department.
Earlier this year, the department distributed two-thirds of the funds, called American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, totaling $81 billion nationwide, according to the news release. The final third is being released to states once their plans are approved.
Pennsylvania previously received $3.3 billion in funds, and this latest infusion brings the state total to $5 billion.
In March, school district officials across the Lehigh Valley said they planned to put the money toward one-time or temporary expenses, such as capital improvements or temporary academic coaches to help students make up for the learning lost over the last year.
“Students, educators, and our communities urgently need the funding from the American Rescue Plan in order to address learning loss and difficulties created by the pandemic,” Rep. Susan Wild, D-7th District, said in the news release.