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While lawmakers weigh find out how to carve up a large pot of COVID-19 reduction funding, Massachusetts Okay-12 faculty districts have solely used a fraction of the federal {dollars} they obtained, in keeping with the state’s education secretary.
Okay-12 colleges obtained greater than $2.9 billion throughout the three main stimulus packages accredited thus far, most of which flowed by way of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund after which to districts in keeping with a method, Education Secretary James Peyser instructed lawmakers.
“As of now, less than 10% of these formula funds have actually been drawn down by school districts, so much of those resources remain and can be used certainly during this school year and beyond,” Peyser mentioned.
His feedback got here at a legislative listening to Friday to think about find out how to spend the roughly $4.8 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funding state authorities nonetheless has. Any extra cash the Legislature opts to steer towards Okay-12 colleges will complement an already sturdy pot.
One rising level of focus is faculty infrastructure, with many advocates and lawmakers calling to make use of state ARPA funding to modernize faculty buildings and early education services.
“Investing in building infrastructure is a one-time investment that does not add to the state’s operating budget, is directly responsive to the pandemic, and can have an immediate, transformative impact on our school and college buildings, especially if those funds can prioritize Gateway Cities, low-income, and Black and brown communities and universities,” mentioned Massachusetts Teachers Association President Merrie Najimy.
Peyser mentioned some bills associated to the virus, corresponding to air flow enhancements, may be eligible to obtain ARPA {dollars} from the state, however “building an entire new building” could not qualify.
— Chris Lisinski/State House News Service
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