Area schools receive $103.6 million from American Rescue Plan
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Governor Tom Wolf announced Monday that Pennsylvania is expected to receive $4.9 billion in federal relief funds to help Pre-K to 12 schools return students to classroom learning and equitably expand opportunity for students.
The funding is provided by the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) Fund passed by Congress and signed by President Joseph R. Biden.
A breakdown of the local funding includes is provided here.
Washington County:
Avella $618,925
Bentworth $2,184,656
Bethlehem-Center $1,618,975
Burgettstown $1,451,423
California Area $1,124,945
Canon-McMillan $2,947,268
Charleroi $3,560,752
Chartiers-Houston $1,164,554
Fort Cherry $1,092,600
McGuffey $1,562,598
Peters Township $751,864
Ringgold $4,937,358
Trinity Area $3,874,598
Washington $5,724,296
Greene County:
Carmichaels $2,661,726
Central Greene $3,984,194
Jefferson-Morgan $1,570,067
Southeastern Greene $2,750,179
West Greene $1,459,915
Fayette County:
Albert Gallatin $11,252,401
Belle Vernon $3,446,164
Brownsville $7,593,710
Connellsville $15,293,185
Frazier $1,823,028
Laurel Highlands $8,242,378
Uniontown Area $10,915,799
(Total: $103,607,558)
“All schools have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and I commend school communities for rising to the challenge to combat the toll it has taken,” said Wolf. “This extra funding is critical to help schools meet the unique needs of educating students at this time while keeping school buildings safe when students return to the classroom.”
Acting Secretary of Education Noe Ortega said schools need the additional resources to invest in instructional materials, equipment, facilities, transportation and more.
“These funds will provide more assistance to school communities as we continue to navigate the pandemic,” said Ortega.
At least 90%, or $4.5 billion, of the funds will be allotted to traditional public school districts and charter schools. Each school district or charter school will receive an amount proportional to the federal Title I-A funds received in 2020 under the Every Student Succeeds Act.
The school districts and charter schools must use at least 20% of the funds to address learning loss and the social, emotional, and academic needs of underrepresented students, including students from low-income families, students with disabilities, English learners, migrant students, students experiencing homelessness, and children in foster care.
Schools can 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 support.
Funds must be used by September 2024.
School districts and charter schools must apply to PDE to obtain their allocated funds.