Freeman announces area schools set to receive over $55 million in federal education funding
Rep. Robert L. Freeman March 30, 2021 | 11:55 AM
|
NEWS RELEASE
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
|
State Rep. Robert Freeman
D-Northampton
RepFreeman.com
|
|
EASTON, March 30 -- State Rep. Robert Freeman, D-Northampton, announced today that more than $55.9 million in federal COVID-19 relief funding will be allocated for Pre-K to 12 schools in the 136th House District when students return to school.
Local school funding allocations include:
- Bethlehem Area School District -- $32.12 million.
- Easton Area School District -- $16.89 million.
- Saucon Valley School District -- $1.95 million.
- Wilson Area School District -- $4.53 million.
- Easton Arts Academy Elementary Charter School -- $506,926.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has placed tremendous financial pressure on our school system and this federal funding will help schools safely reopen and help students catch up on learning they may have missed during the pandemic,” Freeman said.
The funding is part of the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden. The money can be used for food service; professional training; technology purchases; sanitization and cleaning supplies; summer and after-school programs; mental health supports and more.
At least 20% of this money is meant to address learning loss and the social, emotional, and academic needs of underrepresented students, including students from low-income families, students with disabilities, students experiencing homelessness, and more.
School districts and charter schools must apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education to receive their share of the money set aside. The application process will be posted on the PDE website. Funds must be used by September 2024.