OPI Releases CARES Act Funding Estimates for Montana Schools

• April 02 2020

OPI Releases CARES Act Funding Estimates for Montana Schools 

April 2, 2020

HELENA— The Montana Office of Public Instruction released preliminary estimates for how much funding Montana’s K-12 public schools will receive from the federal CARES Act stimulus bill that was passed in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Of the $13.5 billion allocated to education, Montana’s K-12 public schools will receive $41.2 million through their Title I formula which is for economically disadvantaged communities. Another $8.8 million will be available through the state’s Emergency Education Relief Fund. School districts are also eligible to apply for $100 million in competitive Project SERV grants.

“Montana’s teachers and families are continuing to ensure that our students receive a high-quality education under unprecedented circumstances,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen said Thursday. “These federal funds will help students and teachers receive the tools that they need to engage in distance learning while giving local school leaders flexibility and local control over how the funds are used.”

The $41.2 million will flow through local districts Title I formula but districts have flexibility in how they use the funds. Superintendent Arntzen is using a portion of the state set aside from the CARES Act to ensure that every district receives at least $10,000.

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CONTACT:   Dylan Klapmeier

                       Director of Communications, Montana Office of Public Instruction

                       dylan.klapmeier@mt.gov

                       406-444-3559