Public schools in Franklin and Nash counties are set to receive over $900,000 of supplemental funding for assistance with COVID-19 related issues. Nash County Public Schools will receive $582,022, and Franklin County Public Schools will receive $322,920.

 

The supplemental funding sources include: $38.5 million from the 2019-2020 Summer Camp Reading funds, $2.97 million from money left over in the same fund from the prior year, $5.48 million from the statewide Carryforward reserve, and a little over $3 million is from the State Emergency Disaster Reserve. All funds are divided amongst school districts across the state.

 

Relief funds are based upon a funding formula that is weighted 50% on the number of students (ADM) and 50% on low wealth classification. The funding can be used for school nutrition (includes food purchases, cafeteria workers, drivers, nutritional admin/support) cleaning and sanitizing schools and buses (includes custodial pay, materials, and supplies) protective equipment, and remote learning (instructional software, telecommunication expenses, EC materials, devices, etc).

 

“These funds will help our school systems provide meals to those in need, sanitize school buses and buildings, and support remote learning, amongst other immediate needs,” said Rep. Lisa Stone Barnes. “This is a great solution for immediate financial assistance to our public schools. The N.C. House COVID-19 task force is still working on solutions for small businesses and others.”

 

According to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), school systems should start to receive funding later this week. “We are living in unprecedented times,” continued Rep. Barnes. “My colleagues and I on the taskforce are video conferencing almost daily, to find solutions for those suffering the financial and health impacts of this disease. We are learning more about the disease and implications each day, and we are hoping to make more announcements like this as we work together to meet the immediate needs of citizens until we can lift social distancing guidelines.”