Oklahoma Education Department To Receive $1.9B In Federal Funding

Oklahoma Will Receive 1.9 Billion Dollars

Oklahoma, like many other states, has federal funds headed its way. A total of $122 billion will be granted through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. Oklahoma’s share of that will be about $1.9 billion. The Oklahoma State Department of Education released a statement saying the funding will help schools safely reopen and help students catch up on any academic loss from the pandemic.

The Funds Are Not To Be Used For Teacher Salaries

The funding is to be used for things like improving ventilation in schools to acquiring mental health resources. It cannot be used for teacher salaries or to make up for lost state funding.

Schools Will Have Three Years To Spend It

Oklahoma schools will have three years to spend the money. The State Department of Education will have to submit a plan to the U.S. Department of Education on how the money will be spent.

Oklahoma’s Plan For Spending The Funds Has Not Been Determined

Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Joy Hofmeister, says the department is working on a plan for how to use the federal education funds. Hofmeister says the plan will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education by the summer.

Parents Will Have A Say In How The Funds Are Spent

Hofmeister says parents will have a say in how the funds are spent. The department will hold public hearings and take public comment on the plan before it is submitted to the U.S. Department of Education.

The Funds Are Needed And Will Help Students

Oklahoma Education Association President Katherine Bishop says the funds are needed and will help students catch up on any academic loss from the pandemic. Bishop says the association will work with the State Department of Education to ensure the funds are used effectively.

Conclusion

The $1.9 billion in federal funding is a much-needed boost for Oklahoma education. The funds will help schools safely reopen and help students catch up on any academic loss from the pandemic. Parents will have a say in how the funds are spent, and the Oklahoma Education Association will work with the State Department of Education to ensure the funds are used effectively.