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Rep. Soter Announces COVID-19 State Grants for Bellingham School District

Feb 25, 2021 06:00AM ● By Pamela Johnson
 State Representative Michael Soter (R-Bellingham) is pleased to announce the release of more than $50 million in one-time state funding to assist local school districts, charter schools, and educational collaboratives with the costs associated with safely operating and educating students during the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.
   
Representative Soter said the schools in his district are scheduled to receive a total of $287,725 under the COVID-19 Response, Remote Learning, and Student Support Grants program. The House and Senate recently authorized funding for the program as part of the Fiscal Year 2021 state budget. The total amount each school district will receive is as follows: Bellingham School District, ; Blackstone-Millville Regional School District, $77,925; Blackstone Valley Tech, $42,750; and Uxbridge School District, $75,425.
   
School districts can use the funding for a variety of purposes related to COVID-19, such as the purchase of personal protective equipment and hygienic supplies, and for the costs associated with socially distanced on-site learning, as well as remote and hybrid learning. The money can also be used to help low-income and other vulnerable student populations overcome technological impediments to learning, and to ensure that students have equal access to social services, mental health, and behavioral health resources.
   
“The release of this funding will be crucial for school districts and towns as we continue to navigate this pandemic,” Representative Soter said. “The funding should provide administrators with the tools needed to properly address COVID-19 concerns. I’m eager to continue working with towns and educators to help in delivering quality education to our students.”
   
Representative Soter explained that this funding is being distributed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in two equal installments, with the first payment having  arrived in early February and the remaining balance at the end of April.
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