Thursday, November 19, 2009

When the states can’t pay for schools, Just ask Congress!

With funding diminishing from the State of Michigan for schools, opportunities exist in Washington to secure federal funding. For example, the following school districts received federal funds in FY 2009:

  • School District of Lancaster (PA) and Philadelphia School District each received $100,000 Project IMPACT, for abstinence education and related services.
  • Troy High School (PA) received $247,000 for removal and/or replacement of non historic windows, infill, louvers, windows, and fan lights.
  • The Logan Elm School District (OH) received $48,000 for water infrastructure improvements.
  • The Hesperia Unified School District, Hesperia, CA, received $98,000 for an after school program for middle school students.
  • The Independence School District (MO) received $347,000 for before- and after-school programs.
  • The Washoe County School District (NV), received $248,000 for an online assessment and accountability instructional programs and an additional $248,000 for an English Instructional program.
  • The Springfield School District (IL) received $94,000 for a middle school history experience.
  • The City School District of New Rochelle (NY) received $422,000 for after school and summer school programs, faculty professional development, and parent education workshops.

These are just some examples of how schools benefited from Congressional appropriations and governmental advocacy in securing additional funds for their schools. With limited funding from the state and a declining tax base, the federal government has some funds to support Michigan’s schools.

However, to obtain funding from Congress, the local school districts need to request the funding. At times, it is not enough to ask your local member of Congress. It is important to build support for your issues and requests, meet with Congressional staff, invite your member to experience schools and perhaps even make it an educational experience for the students by involving them in the legislative process.

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