Barnstable Schools Get $225K Remote Learning Grant

BARNSTABLE, MA — The Barnstable Public School District was awarded a state grant of about $225,000 intended to help ensure students have access to technology in both in-person and virtual classrooms.

The grant was part of a $32,9 million package awarded to 253 school districts across Massachusetts, Gov. Charlie Baker's office announced.

School districts will use the money from the Remote Learning Technology Essentials grants, in conjunction with other funds, to improve the use of technology and strengthen teaching and learning by purchasing computers, assistive technologies, and ensure sufficient internet access for students. The grants will also cover reimbursement costs to districts that have already spent money on technology during the school closures that began in March.

The grant is one of several funding sources designed to help Massachusetts school districts address costs related to COVID-19 as schools reopen. Those include:

• $50 million from the federal Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund (part of the federal CARES Act funds) for kindergarten to grade 12 students and colleges and universities;
• $182 million from the Commonwealths’ federal Coronavirus Relief Fund (up to $225 per student) for schools;
• $502 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund previously allocated to cities and towns and;
• $194 million in federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund grants.

"Access to technology is critical for students and their education," Baker said. "These technology grants are just one way in which we are working with districts to help them face the challenges associated with COVID-19 and keep kids focused on learning."