Representative Ackert Welcomes Federal Funding for Schools in the 8th District

Posted on February 1, 2021

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HARTFORD — State Representative Ackert (R-8) announced new federal relief funding for local public schools this past Friday.  Passed into federal law under the recent Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA), this funding is targeted to address school safety, learning loss, and the pandemic’s mental health impact on students.

Rep. Ackert said, “I’m glad the federal government and the Connecticut State Department of Education recognized this need to bolster education funding as we continue to respond to the ongoing pandemic. It is my hope this will help get us closer to getting students back in the classroom quickly and safely.”

The following funds were awarded to local school districts:

  • Columbia: $101,932
  • Coventry: $521,667
  • Tolland: $203,519
  • Vernon: $2,030,411

The funds were awarded based on the respective shares of funds received under Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 in fiscal year 2020.

Superintendents in Columbia, Coventry, Tolland, and Vernon, as well as across the state received notice on Friday from the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) of this additional $492,426,458 in total aid for Connecticut in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER II).

The funding can be used by school districts for the following purposes:

  • Improving COVID-19 response coordination between school districts and state, county, and local public health authorities;
  • Addressing learning loss through high-quality assessment, tracking student attendance and engagement in distance learning, and evaluating academic progress in comparison to a student’s pre-pandemic performance;
  • Need-based outreach for students of all backgrounds, including children in low-income households, those in foster care, those with disabilities, and those struggling with homelessness;
  • Purchasing PPE and sanitation supplies, and training staff in proper sanitation and personal protection practices;
  • Ensuring all instruction is consistent with requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA);
  • Planning and implementing supplemental instruction like summer school or aftercare;
  • And facilitating school facility improvements and repairs for indoor air quality.

This newest allocation brings the state’s total ESSER funding to date to $603,494,517.

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