Obama Signs the Stimulus Bill
On February 17th President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reivestment Act which included 2.7 Billion in new education monies for PA.
This shot in the arm came just as many schools were looking at budget shortfalls and labor cuts of up to 9 percent. The decision that many districts face now whether they should invest in new hires, new technology and new programs or simply shore up the status quo and prepare for cuts in 2012.
In a stimulus guide on the PA Dept. of Education website it states:
The Commonwealth and its school districts share an enormous responsibility for deploying these resources effectively and quickly.
That is good news that could have been GREAT news if the package had allocated more than 12.6 million or approximately 0.44% of the total distribution to technology and professional development.
Fortunately, there may still be some wiggle room in the wording of the other distribution categories. Title 1 includes 383 million to be spent on improving math and reading instruction in high poverty schools and there is always the “proven academic programs” clause as well.
The PaPACT application for BEF increases (which now includes ABG and EAP allocations) and SFSF grants will be made available to school districts and charter schools on e-Grants on April 15, 2009 and will close on June 1.
The 2009-10 Federal Programs Consolidated Application will open on April 5, 2009 and the Supplemental Title I applications will be due on May 15, 2009.
The application for ARRA supplemental IDEA funds will open on April 13, 2009 and due on May 18, 2009.