On this timely episode, renowned funding expert Dr. Paula Love shares a wealth of knowledge regarding the relevant funds currently available to districts as a result of the pandemic. In fact, Paula shared so much information, we’ll have even more from her next week for part two.
The interview begins with a review of the funds designated for education from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) package in March (1:40). More than half of this funding is still available, and the allowable uses set up in March have set the pathway for the new funds that were designated in December. Paula gives important detail on several of the 12 allowable uses of these funds, which cover a broad range of needs for all districts.
The second half of the episode features discussion on the funds made available through the Consolidated Appropriations Act in December (9:25). This last round of COVID Relief designated four times as much for education, building on an already-sizable bucket of funding. Bringing more focus to the still-relevant 12 allowable uses, the new round of funds specifically highlights learning loss recovery, educational technology purchasing, and modifications to school facilities related to indoor air quality as areas of focus. The Department of Education has until September 2022 to obligate the CARES education stabilization funds and until September 2023 to obligate the funds from December.
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