Montgomery County Public Schools and Radford City Schools were among the 132 public school districts that have been allocated federal funds to support COVID-19 preparedness and response measures for the 2020-21 school year.
Montgomery schools received $1,730,558 while Radford’s schools were allocated $278,163.
Distribution of the more than $220 million statewide was based on an allocation formula of $175 per public with a minimum of $100,000 for each school division.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced the allocations Thursday. The funds came through the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
“Students, teachers, principals, and parents are going to great lengths to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic amid a new school year, and we must do everything we can to support them,” the governor said. “This additional $220 million in federal funding will give our schools the resources they need to continue operating and provide Virginians with a world-class education, whether safely in person or remotely from home.”
The money can be used for such needs as testing supplies, personal protective equipment, sanitization and technology for distance learning.
“This funding is critical as we continue to provide safe, high-quality education for Virginia students,” said Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. James Lane.
“Virginia’s teachers are heroes, and they are doing an incredible job in the midst of this pandemic,” said Secretary of Education Atif Qarni. “This funding will help ensure the safety of students, families and teaching staff, all while providing critical support for our most at-risk students.”