The latest round of federal stimulus funding will be used for staffing, program needs, and equipment, the Pioneer Board of Education learned at its Nov. 16 regular meeting.
The fund come courtesy of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Reserve Fund Grant. Previously, Pioneer received funds from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and has applied for and was approved for aid under the Coronavirus Response & Supplemental Appropriations Act.
Assistant Superintendent Nick Silvaroli said the district applied for funds in October from the American Rescue Plan, and is preparing another application due in December.
The October round of funding would include a $3.4 million general allocation, and $861,055 to cover learning loss. The December application, if approved, would include $536,000 for summer enrichment, $536,000 for comprehensive after school programs, and $2.6 million to cover learning loss.
Mr. Silvaroli said the new grant would help hire additional staff for up to three years to cover learning loss, address special education needs, and support literacy instruction. This includes summer learning staff at all grades, two social worker for 2021-22 through 2023-24, two middle school special education teachers for 2021-22 through 2023-24, and four elementary teachers for 2021-22 through 2023-24.
The grant would help the district purchase literacy resources, wellness room items and equipment, and an Epilog laser machine for a career tech classroom.