School districts across the state are making plans for additional federal funding they will receive to help address the impacts of the pandemic. It's part of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER Fund).
North Carolina will distribute $3 billion from this latest round. The amount each district receives will depend primarily on size and enrollment numbers.
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is expected to get more than $200 million over the next few years. The funds can be used for things like touchless water fountains, technology, and programs to address learning loss.
Mark Batten is executive director of community engagement with WS/FCS. He says all of these are part of the district's plan, but they also want to hear from the public.
“We are having three public town halls on May 20, May 26 and May 27. The one on May 26 is for our Spanish community, but we want to make sure that we are hearing from our community leaders, and families, students and parents,” Batten says.
Input can also be submitted through an online form on the district's website.
Batten says Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is also putting together an ESSER Fund task force made up of community members to offer oversight and guidance during the process.
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