The PennZone

Governor Tom Wolf announced today that the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) has approved Pennsylvania's application for $523.8 million in one-time federal emergency funds to help schools respond to COVID-19 impacts.

"Our schools and educators have been working tirelessly to help students and their families during this crisis," said Governor Wolf. "These efforts must be paired with investments that reflect the unprecedented scale of this challenge. USDE's approval of Pennsylvania's application is an important first step in securing those investments."

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) submitted its Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund application to USDE last week.

Beginning today, local education agencies (LEAs) can apply to PDE to receive their allocation of the funding and can expect to start receiving funds within the next several weeks.

"As educators, our top priority has always been to ensure the health and safety of staff and students," said Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera. "The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented change to our school communities, and school leaders across the state have stepped up to ensure students and families continue to be served. These funds will provide vital assistance during this critical time."

More on The PennZone

• Put Your Herd on Your Phone: Kiko Nation Makes Livestock Management Simple
• Future Intelligence Think Tank Surpasses 1,000 Members Exploring Human and Artificial Intelligence
• Gary Bernstein Expands Media Leadership Role With Senior Strategic Advisor Appointment To Blacksun Private Equity
• Headline: House of Nova Paints Every Face in Gold at New York Fashion Week
• Can Government Operate Better Through Innovation?

Under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, at least 90 percent, or $471 million, of the funds will flow through to traditional public schools and charter schools. Each entity will receive an amount proportional to federal Title I-A funds received in 2019 under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

LEAs may use ESSER funding for a wide range of purposes, including food service, professional training, technology purchases, sanitization and cleaning supplies, summer and after-school programs, and mental health supports. Funds must be used by September 2022. PDE is urging school entities to prioritize investments for vulnerable students and families, including those living in the deepest poverty, students with disabilities, English learners, migrant students, students experiencing homelessness, and children in foster care.

View a list of what each school district and charter school will receive in ESSER funds.

More on The PennZone

• Michael H. Kaplan Advocates for Seriously Injured Colorado Workers Who Need In-Home Care
• Her Song Lives On: Remembering Mrs. Darlene Davis Porter
• Infinity Infusion Solutions Named Finalist for D Magazine's D CEO 2026 Excellence in Healthcare Awards
• Pittsburgh Creators Launch Clever New Children's Book, "The Sock Sleuth!"
• Canadian Tint Expo 2027: Why Every Window Tinter Should Compete in Niagara Falls on April 3rd & 4th

The remaining ESSER funds will be used for state-level activities to address issues caused by COVID-19. PDE plans to use the funds to support initiatives, including remote learning, that can be designed and implemented with greater economy of scale at the state level than would be possible or practical for LEAs to pursue individually.

For more information about Pennsylvania's education policies and programs, please visit the Department of Education's website or follow PDE on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

SHARE Email Facebook Twitter

Filed Under: Government, State

---

Show All News | Disclaimer | Report Violation