PG County Schools Seek Input on COVID-19 Relief Funds

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — As schools across the country prepare to fully reopen for the first time since March 2020, schools are prioritizing a safe return to in-person instruction.

In an effort to assist students through their return to school, the United States Department of Education will allocate about $1.95 billion across all Maryland’s local school systems.

Through the America Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Fund, the funding is meant to help students return to school, maximize in-person instructional time, sustain the safe operation of schools and address the lasting impacts the COVID-19 pandemic left on students, families and staff.

Prince George's County Public Schools created a relief fund survey to receive input from members of the community on how they think the funds should be allocated.

The survey includes a prioritization table and 30 funding areas asking survey-takers to arrange a list of topics based on what they believe is the most important. The list ranges from:

• Technology
• Learning loss
• Virtual school
• Tutoring
• Summer school
• Resources to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19
• Individuals with Disabilities
• Extended learning opportunities during the school year
• Student health and more.

The ARP ESSER III Funding Survey is available here.