Schools in Fall River receive over $600,000 in learning technology grants

MALDEN –The Baker-Polito Administration Friday awarded $32.9 million in Remote Learning Technology Essentials grants to 253 school districts across the Commonwealth to help students obtain adequate access to technology to strengthen instruction both in the classroom and at home.

According to Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, school districts will use the funds from the competitive matching grant, 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 funds 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 K-12 schools 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,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “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.”

“Massachusetts leads the nation in education, and students require reliable technology resources to support their success in the classroom,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “These grants will help deliver technology access to more students to improve the quality of their education.”

“Although these grants were inspired by needs that became apparent because of COVID-19, this technology will strengthen and improve the quality of all students’ education in a sustainable way,” said Education Secretary James Peyser.

“We’re glad to make these funds available to districts, and we’ll continue to work with schools to prepare students for a return to learning,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley.

The following local schools and communities will receive the grant.

Atlantis Charter School: $71,401.00.
Dartmouth: $82,508.00
Dighton Rehoboth: $152,712.00
Fall River: $548,707.00
Freetown Lakeville: $95,907.00
New Bedford: $285,299.00
Seekonk: $26,279.00
Swansea: $28,754.00
Taunton: $640,309.00
Westport: $13,716.00