PSEA is a community of education professionals who make a difference in the lives of students every day.
In March 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which marked the single largest federal investment ever in public education. PA’s schools received $6.46 billion in supplemental funding meant to combat the unprecedented learning loss that occurred during the pandemic. However, schools only have until Sept. 30 of next year to spend those funds. And, since the funds can only be used for short-term projects rather than ongoing budget items, many districts are struggling to find ways to make use of their share.
To help generate some ideas, the U.S. Dept. of Education released this booklet.
If your school or district could use some help finding ways to spend its share of ARP funding, share this link with your administration or use it as a springboard for your own suggestions on how to meet your students’ social, emotional, and academic needs before time runs out.
Over the next couple years, Pennsylvania schools will get nearly $5 billion in one-time federal funds.
Now, we need to make certain that our schools spend this money wisely.
PSEA’s local leaders need to have a seat at the table as your schools make these decisions — and we must demand that we get it. You know best what your schools and students need. You’re the experts.
So, make sure that your voices are heard — and don’t take “no” for an answer.
