GADoE Receives Approval for Remainder of ARP Stimulus Funds

Georgia’s state plan for the remainder of its federal stimulus funds under the American Rescue Plan has been approved by the U.S. Department of Education, bringing an additional $1.4 billion to support K-12 schools in the state.

According to a press release from the Georgia Board of Education, in this round of ARP funding, 90 percent or just over $3.8 billion will be allocated directly to school districts by the state.

A total of $425,243,169 will be used to address statewide needs, as required by federal legislation.

Georgia was allocated a total of $4.2 billion through the American Rescue Plan (the third federal COVID-19 stimulus bill).

Georgia’s Department of Education received the first $2.8 billion in March 2021 and immediately allocated funds to school districts.

At the state level, Georgia will use its ARP funds to address lost learning opportunities, remove barriers to learning, and personalize supports for students, schools, and educators.

State School Superintendent Richard Woods said his office will use these funds to deploy state-level Academic Recovery Specialists, establish school-based health clinics, and more – the resources we’ve been given will directly support schools and students.

School districts are required by federal law to spend 20 percent of their ARP funds to address learning loss; the state is required to use 5 percent of its funds to address learning loss, 1 percent to support summer enrichment, and 1 percent to support after school programs.

Franklin County will receive just over $7.7 million dollars in funding from the federal government.

Of that, $1.6 million will go towards learning loss to help students who fell behind due to the pandemic lockdown catch up.

Another $1-million will go towards technology, and over $3.5 million will go towards Student Services and Supports.

$1.6 million will pay for continued cleaning and disinfecting services at the schools.

That leaves $70,000 for miscellaneous needs.