Hanbidge applauds $211K awarded to two school districts’ special needs programs
Rep. Liz Hanbidge August 26, 2020 | 3:53 PM
LANSDALE, Aug. 26 – State Rep. Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery, announced that North Penn and Wissahickon School Districts’ special education programs each received Governor’s Emergency Education Relief grants.
North Penn received $151,534 and Wissahickon received $59,610.
“It’s crucial that as we commence this academic year, we consider the unique needs of every student,” Hanbidge said. “Students with special needs will need additional support as the districts implement enhanced safety measures to combat the spread of COVID-19, whether learning takes place inside classrooms or online. This funding will ensure that students who depend on these programs can stay on track and continue making progress.”
Grants may be used to provide enhanced synchronous (real-time) instruction to bolster remote services and supports for students with complex needs; and provide services and support to students with disabilities who experienced a loss in skills and behavior and/or a lack of progress due to the mandatory school closures.
This funding comes from the $15 million in the commonwealth’s GEER fund and $5 million from the Department of Education’s federal funding through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The federal CARES Act authorizes governors to determine the educational use of GEER funds.
Click here for a full list of grant recipients.
Questions may be directed to Hanbidge’s office by calling (610) 277-3230 or emailing RepHanbidge@pahouse.net.