Schools get pass through funds from American Rescue Plan Act

The Botetourt Board of Supervisors approved a pass-through budget item of $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to the school system. School Superintendent Jonathan Russ told the supervisors the money would be used to expand the school summer education program, provide additional instruction items, and bus driver retention, among other things. Some of the funding also would be used to improve air quality in the schools.

Anna Leffel Weddle, School Board chairman described the money use like this:

“Expanded summer school program to address missed learning time. Additional Instructional items to address missed learning time. Substitutes for COVID-related absences, Bus driver retention efforts, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & cleaning supplies, Facility repair and maintenance. One stipulation for receiving these funds is that we must spend at least 20% of the total amount ($601,987.81) to address missed learning time (learning loss). As you know, these federal funds are available until 12/24; therefore, the complete specific spending plan is not yet determined and is ongoing based on needs and priorities.”

–Anita Firebaugh and Cathy Benson