Local Schools Can Apply For COVID-19 Relief Funding

The Levittown-area’s four school district are eligible to receive a large chunk of funding to respond to COVID-19-related impacts.

Gov. Tom Wolf’s office announced this week that the U.S. Department of Education has green lit the state’s request for $523.8 million in one-time federal emergency funds to help schools respond to COVID-19. Schools can apply through the state Department of Education for their allocations of the funding.

The state noted the Bristol Borough School District can receive $371,988, the Bristol Township School District can receive $1,362,131, the Pennsbury School District can receive $685,077, and the Neshaminy School District can receive $854,142.

The money is mandated by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to have at least 90 percent go to traditional public schools and charter schools. The allocation amounts are tied to Title I-A funding received in 2019.

Public and charter schools can use the funds for a number of costs, including food service, professional training, technology purchases, sanitization and cleaning supplies, summer and after-school programs, and mental health support. State education official have urged schools to put a focus on investments for vulnerable students and families.

The remainder of the federal funds can be used for state-level educational costs.

“Our schools and educators have been working tirelessly to help students and their families during this crisis,” said Wolf. “These efforts must be paired with investments that reflect the unprecedented scale of this challenge. USDE’s approval of Pennsylvania’s application is an important, first step in securing those investments.”

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