Volume I, No. 6

December 11, 2008

Federal Stimulus For Schools – May Be Better Than Expected

The National Rural Education Advocacy Coalition (NREAC) reports the federal stimulus package could include more school provisions.

Prior Education Bottom Line articles have included information regarding school facility emergency repair provisions in the proposed new federal stimulus package.  The NREAC now reports there are also efforts to include one-time block grant funds to school districts (the NREAC surveyed member districts last week on one-time needs) as well as supplemental funding for special education programs.  The three provisions would be direct funding for education if they are included in the final stimulus package.

Indirect education funding being considered for the package includes direct aid to states per budget balancing and technology development including rural broadband access improvements.

While there are no guaranteed provisions in a stimulus package until Congress acts and President-Elect Obama is inaugurated, the possible expansion to more school related provisions is a positive development.  MWH client, the Small School Districts’ Association, is a founding member of the National Rural Education Advocacy Coalition.

~Dave Walrath

dwalrath@m-w-h.com