By K.D. Norris
The Kent County Board of Commissioners last week approved $2 million, part of a nearly $115 million federal CARES Act grant awarded to Kent County earlier this year, to help county schools reopen safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. All county schools — public, private and charter — are eligible for the funding.
The grants are based on the number of students enrolled in each school in 2019, with schools receiving approximately $16 per student, according to supplied material. The grants provide schools with flexibility in how they use the funds as they continue to implement back-to-school plans.
“We are fortunate to have this federal funding and be able to provide our schools with the resources they need to ensure our children continue to learn and grow,” Kent County Board of Commissioners Chair Mandy Bolter said in supplied material.
Eligible uses of the funding could include purchase of personal protection equipment and sanitation supplies, technology costs necessary for enhanced virtual learning, or to finance mental healthcare and nurses.
“We appreciate the support of the Kent County Board of Commissioners. This approval will help schools secure the needed resources and services to meet the needs of students during this pandemic,” Kent ISD Superintendent Ron Caniff said in supplied material.
The Kent County Board of Commissioners has previously allocated CARES funding for other programs to assist communities during the coronavirus pandemic, including the Kent County Small Business Recovery Program, shelter assistance, non-profit assistance, and a business personal protection equipment program.
For more information about the CARES Act and related Kent County efforts, visit here.
