Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. has applied for a federal grant for $1,559,445.70 to reimburse costs attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic.
BCSC board members have approved a Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act grant application and budget.
Gina Pleak, director of title services, said BCSC submitted and application on Tuesday and “hopes to hear back within a week.”
The grant application’s budget includes:
$707,505 for health and safety
$205,000 for revenue reimbursement
$160,000 for technology preparedness
$152,159.00 for social emotional learning
$128,525.74 for Non-Public Schools (St. Bartholomew Catholic School, St. Peter’s Lutheran School, White Creek Lutheran School and North Star Montessori School)
$104,132.84 for instructional preparedness
$68,400 for child care
$20,120 for grant management
$13,603.12 for indirect costs
The grant funding is available through Sept. 30 to encumber and Dec. 15 to spend, school officials said. The U.S. Department of Education may extend the grant period by a year to Sept. 30, 2022 and Dec. 15, 2022.
Pleak said the funding is “effective through at least September 30, 2021 to encumber, and December 15, 2021 to expend.” She added that the Tydings Waiver rule, which allows the United States Department of Education to extend the grant period by a year, would also provide “an additional year to September 30, 2022 and December 15, 2022 respectively.”
In regards to the expenses for non-public schools, Pleak explained that it is her responsibility to consult with eligible non-public schools. If BCSC receives the CARES grant, the schools listed above will receive funds based on a certain formula. Pleak will collaborate with these schools on budgeting, placing orders, requesting reimbursements and necessary paperwork.
“We are grateful for this funding and it will greatly assist us in preparing for a successful 2020-21 school year,” Pleak said. “As we learn more about things we need to purchase or consider with regards to COVID-19, we can do amendments to the grant to ensure it is being spent to make the largest impact possible for BCSC students, families and staff.”
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To learn more about Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp., visit bcscschools.org.
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