HARRISBURG, Aug. 25 – State Reps. Tom Caltagirone and Mark Rozzi announced Tuesday the approval of grants for Berks County school districts to improve educational services during the COVID-19 pandemic at schools designated for Additional Targeted Support and Improvement under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act.
“The state not only stepped in to help local school districts, but it set aside money for the school districts that needed the most assistance in trying to find a safe and effective way to continue education during this health crisis,” Rozzi said. “The funds approved for Reading, Muhlenberg and Antietam will not only serve our teachers and students, but it will help our entire community – keeping our children safe while providing the educational resources our students need.”
Caltagirone added, “Reading and Governor Mifflin will receive assistance as our local school officials, administrators, teachers and students continue to adapt to finding the best way for learning to continue during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am grateful the state found a way to provide the money our schools need to keep our children, our teachers and our Berks County community safe during these trying times.”
Today’s announcement approved $17 million to help 220 local education agencies, including school districts, throughout the state. Berks County education agencies approved for funding in the legislative districts for Caltagirone and Rozzi include:
- Reading School District, Reading Senior High School: $668,101.
- Muhlenberg School District, Muhlenberg Middle School: $99,931.
- Governor Mifflin School District, Governor Mifflin Senior High School: $93,406.
- Berks County Intermediate Unit 14: $66,770.
- Antietam School District, Antietam Middle School/Antietam High School: $39,222.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act authorizes governors to determine the educational use of Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Funds.
Under the Every Students Succeeds Act, states develop plans to designate schools for support based on student groups in key areas, including academic achievement, graduation rate and regular attendance. Student groups include race, economically disadvantaged, English language learners and students with disabilities.
Grants were calculated based on elements of the federal Title I, Part A formula, which includes school enrollment date like the number of economically disadvantaged students.
