OPI to host discussion on investment of COVID-19 dollars in Montana schools

“This statewide dialogue is a chance to discover progressive methods to make the most of the remaining $365 million federal COVID reduction funds,” mentioned Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen. “Our Montana faculties have the accountability to spend these federal ESSER {dollars} by the tip of September 2024. This showcases the distinctive panorama and desires throughout our rural state.”

 The principle topic is about Elementary and Secondary College Emergency Reduction (ESSER) Funds with an summary from the U.S. Division of Schooling and Montana academic leaders.

Presenters are James Lane, senior adviser, U.S. Division of Schooling; Glendive Superintendent Stephen Schreibeis on water well being enchancment; Eureka Superintendent Joel Graves on psychological well being and tiny homes inside profession and technical schooling; Rachel Wanderscheid, director of the Montana Afterschool Alliance on psychological well being and math; Goal Vary Superintendent Heather Davis Schmidt on outside studying areas; and Fergus County Superintendent Rhonda Lengthy on small rural college focus.

The U.S. Division of Schooling launched an up to date ESSER FAQ doc that highlighted the necessity for significant stakeholder enter as states and college districts spend the allotted funds. Factors of clarification within the doc embrace early warning programs for pupil achievement, wholesome faculties specializing in air and water enchancment and college safety, school and profession pathways, leveraging federal, state, and native funds and liquidation and spend-down steerage.

This dialogue will probably be open to the general public, legislators, college leaders and trustees. The Zoom hyperlink will be discovered right here: bit.ly/mtesserfunds.