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Nashville expected to receive $135M in education stimulus money


FILE PHOTO: FOX 17 News
FILE PHOTO: FOX 17 News
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As Nashville faces the highest amount of active cases since the start of the pandemic, Mayor John Cooper is welcoming what he calls good news for education.

Congress approved a $900 billion stimulus package with $82 billion earmarked for education. That includes $54 billion for K-12 schools nationwide.

While Nashville leaders are still trying to determine what federal funds will dribble down from the state's allocation, Mayor Cooper estimates that Nashville will receive $135 million for education.

Cooper said at a Thursday news briefing that roughly $100 million of that will go to Metro Nashville Public Schools to improve distance learning, continue nutrition programs for MNPS families and to ensure a safer transition to in-person classes. He says with more federal relief within reach, there will be efforts to bring Metro students back to in-person learning as soon as school officials can do so. He expects a portion of the funds to be used for more academic resources and PPE.

“I was pleased to see that the CDC has recommended that teachers join our other essential frontline workers to get their vaccinations as part of phase 1B. Our educators are critical to Nashville’s recovery. Their well-being is a priority for our community," Mayor Cooper said.

He added that the stimulus package is "exciting" but there are still uncertainties when it comes to what is included.

“It is remarkable that it took this period of time to get a stimulus bill passed. It was promised since June, " Mayor Cooper said. "The details of it are uncertain, but a little bit clearer on education because there ends up being a more direct path into our school system.”

All of Nashville's COVID-19 metrics are experiencing record-highs, according to Cooper. Metro Nashville Public Schools will begin its second semester virtually on Jan. 7 and continue through at least Jan. 18 due to an increased spread of COVID-19 in the community.

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