Schweyer: Allentown City School District, local charter schools to receive over $90M in federal funding
Rep. Peter G. Schweyer March 29, 2021 | 5:19 PM
ALLENTOWN, March 29 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, today congratulated the Allentown City School District and two Allentown charter schools who are expected to receive federal funding totaling $93.17 million to help return students to classrooms.
“The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a significant toll on students, their families and school districts across Pennsylvania,” Schweyer said. “These federal dollars will ensure that our schools have the necessary equipment, training, and support to allow students and faculty to return to a safe and clean learning environment.”
Schweyer said the breakdown of the federal funding for schools in Allentown is as follows:
- Allentown School District - $88.1 million
- Roberto Clemente Charter School -$3.15 million
- Arts Academy Elementary Charter School - $1.92 million
The funding is part of the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) Fund passed by Congress and signed by President 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.