D. 86 in Joliet seeking community input for new federal funds

All students at Joliet Public School District 86 students will return to school and in-person learning on Aug. 18, according to a news release from District 86.

In finalizing plans for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year, Districts 86 is seeking community input for the use of these new federal funds: the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III)/American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding, the release said.

It’s estimated District 86 will receive approximately $29 million. The funds must be spent by September of 2024, the release said.

On June 9, District 86 superintendent Theresa Rouse presented a comprehensive reopening plan for the 2021-2022 school year at the Board of School Inspectors meeting, the release said.

The plan focuses on four key areas: Academic and Digital Learning Supports, Social/Emotional Supports for Students and Staff, Health/Safety Resources, and Capital Improvements, the release said.

The goal is to ensure the safety of students and safe and to address any “unfinished learning that may have occurred during the COVID-19 global pandemic,” the release said.

For feedback forms and to read a copy of the current plan, which includes the proposed use of the government funds, visit joliet86.org/students-parents/return-to-learn/.

All suggestions will be reviewed in preparation for the grant application to be filed. Feedback is due by July 13.