Courtney Announces More Federal Aid For Vernon Schools

VERNON, CT — Following a recent visit to eastern Connecticut by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney announced the official allocation of more than $4.4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding for early childhood and special education programming in Connecticut K-12 public schools.

The Vernon school system is among the recipients.

Courtney said the funding comes in addition to the initial American Rescue Plan funding to school districts that was distributed last spring—including more ta $121 million for school districts in Connecticut's 2nd Congressional District, part of more than $1 billion that was distributed to school districts statewide.

Courtney said the funding will continue to help eastern Connecticut schools offset pandemic-driven deficits to local budgets, and to support the education of infants, toddlers, and students served under the Individuals with Disabilities Act, or IDEA.

Vernon's allocation is $177,952.

Courtney is a senior member of the House Education and Labor Committee.

"Funding dedicated specifically for special education was one of our top priorities when passing the American Rescue Plan," Courtney said. “Keeping our schools open and seriously addressing learning loss has been one of our top priorities, it’s been the Department of Education’s number-one focus this year, and I’m glad to announce this new support for special education in eastern Connecticut as we welcome the Secretary to some of our local schools for a visit.

“We know that the disruptions to in-person learning caused by the pandemic have disproportionately impacted America’s children with disabilities. I’ve heard from parents and educators across eastern Connecticut about the challenges that special education students faced in receiving the services and supports they need and have a right to under IDEA. With these American Rescue Plan funds, Connecticut educators and schools will have the resources they need to really address the educational needs of children with disabilities.”

The special education support for eastern Connecticut schools comes as part of the state’s total amount of $31.55 million in IDEA relief funding through the American Rescue Plan, which Courtney announced in September 2021. The funding will add to IDEA's three major formula grant programs:

• IDEA Part B Grants (Section 611) for children and youth with disabilities aged 3 through 21
• IDEA Part B Preschool Grants (Section 619) for children with disabilities aged 3 through 5
• IDEA Part C Grants for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families