Rep. Bizzarro: Erie County schools to receive $115 million
Federal stimulus funds to help with return to schools
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro March 29, 2021
ERIE, March 29 – Pennsylvania school districts struggling financially to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to receive almost $5 billion in additional federal assistance, which includes approximately $115 million for schools in Erie County, announced state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie.
“This money, and the increasing number of vaccinated teachers and other school staff, will help power the safe return of more students to the classroom,” said Bizzarro. “The cost of the pandemic continues to hit our schools hard, and this money will help keep kids learning whatever their situation.”
A total of $14,002,858 is allocated to schools in the Third Legislative District:
- $9,423,795 for the Millcreek Township School District.
- $2,463,146 for the General McLane School District.
- $2,115,917 for the Montessori Regional Charter School.
The funding is provided by 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 percent of this money 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.
“I’m glad to see Congress and President Joe Biden deliver for Erie County,” Bizzarro said. “Educators, support staff, students and parents will benefit from this vital investment toward our community’s pandemic recovery efforts.”
School districts and charter schools must apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education to receive their share of the money set aside for Erie County. The application process will be posted on the PDE website. Funds must be used by September 2024.