Commonwealth asks for $1.2M in emergency funds for northern Schuylkill schools
SHENANDOAH – Should an application filed by the Commonwealth today for emergency relief funds be approved by the federal government, Shenandoah Valley will receive over $500,000 to “respond to COVID-19 impacts.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced today that it has applied for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds from the U.S. Department of Education, totaling $523 Million statewide and about $1.2 Million in northern Schuylkill County.
“Pennsylvania’s educators have been working under extraordinary conditions from the onset of the coronavirus, first helping students and families to receive food and then setting up systems to provide continued education,” said Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera in a media release. “Unfortunately, this crisis has also placed tremendous financial pressures on our schools. These funds will provide an initial measure of relief, and we appreciate the quick action by Congress. At the same time, emergency educational needs require Congress to pass another significant appropriation for states and schools.”
The Commonwealth expects the application to be approved within a week. The funds, they said, could be used for a wide range of purposes, including food service, professional training, technology purchases, sanitization and cleaning supplies, summer and after-school programs, and mental health supports.
The funds must be used by September of 2022, and the Commonwealth urges schools to “prioritize investments for vulnerable students and families, including those living in the deepest poverty, students with disabilities, English learners, migrant students, students experiencing homelessness, and children in foster care.”
Locally, Shenandoah Valley would receive $547,227, while Mahanoy Area would receive $341,490 and North Schuylkill would receive $358,018.
The funds originate from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which mandates that at least 90% of awarded funds must go to traditional public schools and charter schools.
School districts must apply to receive their allocated funds, and, once the Commonwealth receives the funding, an application process will be posted to their website.
About Author
