Posted by Rick Palsgrove
Groveport editor
Groveport Madison Schools staff are using federal funds to strengthen the school for students in the district.
The district received federal funds from the Emergency Aid Fund for Elementary and Middle Schools (ESSER).
“This money will be used to help the district prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Galilee Ogden, director of Globeport Madison.
Ogden emphasized that ESSER is funded by the federal government and not by the county’s general funding for the projects listed below. She also said there were no plans to require voters to approve operating taxes until 2024.
Last fall, Groveport Madison received $ 1.9 million from ESSER1. It was used to pay teachers working at the Cruiser Digital Academy and to provide personal protective equipment to keep them safe from the coronavirus.
This spring, the district received $ 8.3 million in ESSER 2 grants. This summer the entire district will be financed with this money. CruiserConnect program (see the history of this program on the Messenger website). Pay eight coaches for teachers to help with classroom reading, math lessons, and technology integration. 200 preschool-age computer tablets. Refunds for lost and repaired Chromebook computers. Update employees’ Chromebooks as needed.
“The ESSER2 fund has also helped fund the massive building construction that will take place in our building this summer to create a safer and healthier environment for students and staff,” said Ogden. I’m going.
These district-wide facility projects include: HVAC improvements that help keep school air cleaner by eliminating viruses, bacteria, bacteria and mold. Replace fluorescent tubes with more efficient LED lighting (except in high schools that already have LED lighting). Replace the toilet faucet with a touchless faucet and replace the sink if necessary. More personal protective equipment and cleaning products. Replace the drinking fountain with a new one that contains a touch-free water bottle filler. Additional furniture as required. Features desired by students such as a lunch table that leaves space for adequate social distance. New phonetics kit for class K-2. Six helpers working with children who need a mind break and a place to refocus before returning to the classroom (one in each elementary school). A computer hotspot for students who do not have internet access at home. Arc detector for junior high school, high school and toilet.
“The improved HVAC system means cleaner air for kids,” says Ogden.
“As we move around the system, we suck in more air to sanitize it,” added Jamie Groove, assistant police officer at Globeport Madison.
Jeff Warner, Communications Director at Groveport Madison, said the new full-spectrum LED lighting will create a better learning environment for students and save public utilities.
According to Ogden, the idea of installing an arc detector came from students who were concerned about arcing and smoking in school.
“Arc detectors can detect smoke from marijuana, e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and fire. They can also detect loud noises, ”says Ogden. “The detector notifies administrators, staff, principals and school staff. If something happens, we can intervene immediately. “
Paving work at Dunloe Elementary School. (Courtesy photo of Groveport Madison Schools)
A portion of the ESSER 2 funding is for work in several specific school buildings including: Improved asphalt for paved playgrounds in elementary schools in Asbury, Dunloe, Glendening and Groveport. Roof renovation at Sedalia Primary School. Groveport Elementary Gym and Auditorium HVAC improvements. We have replaced the old modular unit with 2 classrooms at Globeport Elementary with a new modular unit with 4 classrooms and toilet.
“The new module from Groveport Elementary has more space and better heating and cooling than the old module,” said Ogden.
“Replacing modular classrooms can reduce the pressure on the building, but it is not a long-term solution to classroom overcrowding in the school district,” added Grube.
Felicia Drummey, Treasurer of Groveport Madison, said these ESSER2 funds must be used up by September 2023.
ESSER3 funding
In March 2021, the county was notified that it could receive $ 18.9 million in Federal American Rescue Planning Act ESSER3 grant that must be spent by September 2024.
Ogden said decisions about how to spend that money would require input from the Globeport Madison Board of Education and the community. Citizens are invited to speak at the board meeting on June 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in the Globeport Management Office 4400 Marketing Place Suite B.
“We also send surveys to families in the district asking students how they would like to see this money being spent,” Ogden said. “The survey will be published on our website gocruisers.org and will also be emailed to family and employees.”
The ESSER 3 fund plan must be submitted to the Ohio Department of Education by August 20. The district will also post plans for direct school returns this fall through June 24 on its website.
“Our ultimate goal is to get our children and staff back to the classroom in a healthy and safe environment,” said Ogden.
Source link Federal funds used to ensure the health and safety of students and staff
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