The Chester County board of commissioners recently announced a major grant program that will provide financial support to public schools in Chester County that have been impacted by COVID-19. The Chester County COVID-19 Public School Grant Program provides $10 million to 12 school districts to help their schools comply with COVID-19-related public health measures.
Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline approved a resolution authorizing the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) to administer the $10 million fund, which will be available immediately to 12 of the public school districts in Chester County.
The $10 million Chester County COVID-19 Public School Grant Program is funded from CARES Act funding acquired by the Chester County government. Each of the 12 school districts have been apportioned money by the county, based on Title 1 allocations. Funding for the school districts ranges from over $330,000 to $2.4 million.
The agreement between Chester County and the CCIU notes that all requests for reimbursements by the public schools must be for CARES-eligible expenditures, including the purchase of cleaning and sanitizing products, personal protective equipment, relevant training and professional development for staff members and changes made to facilities to ensure effective social distancing.
The grant program for schools will also cover the purchase of student laptops and tablets, internet connection for qualifying students, establishing virtual learning centers, and mental health services and supports, including trauma-informed approaches.
Staff members at the CCIU will reach out to the school districts receiving a portion of the $10 million school grant funding to present program guidelines, funding agreements and reimbursement procedures.
Chester County's COVID-19 Public School Grant Program is part of a major $28 million COVID-19 funding program approved by the Chester County commissioners. In addition, the county announced $15 million in subsidies and grants for child care support and a $3.5 million Restore Chester County: Nonprofit Innovation & Resiliency Fund made available to Chester County nonprofits.
In addition to the CCIU, which will receive $1,258,063, local COVID-19 Public School Grant Program funding allocations include: Coatesville Area School District, $2,443,003; Octorara Area School District, $882,476; and Owen J. Roberts School District, $353,910.
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