How much money will your school district get of the $5B in covid relief headed to Pennsylvania?
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School districts across Western Pennsylvania are among those receiving federal funds to help with expenses incurred from the covid-19 pandemic.
As part of the $1.9 trillion federal American Rescue Plan aid package, Pennsylvania schools will receive nearly $5 billion, Gov. Tom Wolf announced this week. The goal of the federal funds is to help districts return students to classroom learning and to expand opportunities to students who need it most.
Of the allocated funds, Philadelphia City School District is set to receive the largest amount at $1.1 billion. Pittsburgh Public Schools will receive about $100 million.
Outside of the allocation for Pittsburgh schools, funds distributed in Allegheny County range from $16.9 million to the McKeesport School District down to $466,000 for Avonworth. In Westmoreland County, funds range from $1.3 million for the Franklin Regional School District to $10.5 million for New Kensington-Arnold.
The state education department will receive about $500 million to assist career and technical schools, intermediate units and other entities that will not receive a direct allocation. That means that 90% of funds will go to traditional school districts or charter schools.
Of funds received by school districts, 20% must be used to address learning loss and to support needs of students from low-income families, those with disabilities and English language learners. Schools can use the rest of the money for technology, cleaning supplies, professional training, food service, mental health supports and more.
At Hempfield, which is slated to receive around $5 million, school officials plan to address learning loss issues into the summer.
“The district will gather community input, including staff and parents, in what they identify as the needs and resources to address learning gaps,” said Superintendent Tammy Wolicki. “We recognize that some families have been greatly impacted by the pandemic and will work to best support the children in academic, social, and emotional needs.”
Funds must be used by September 2024. To receive the funds, school districts must apply to the state education department.
Here is a full list of schools and the money they have been allocated: