MLS is grateful to have received over $3.1 million as a part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which dedicated $122 billion to support primary and secondary education in life after the pandemic. This fund was created to allow schools to address learning loss, retool for new safety requirements, and improve technology for districts across Ohio, with the deadline of funds spent being September 30, 2024. The funds MLS received have allowed the district to do things we have not been able to do in a long time.
“The American Rescue Plan funds have helped this district catch students up from all the turmoil and lost learning the pandemic caused,” says Superintendent Angela Smith. “For a district where finances are tight, innovative use of these one-time funds is critical for the most impact.”
During the 2021-22 school year, MLS was able to purchase a much needed curriculum for our Language Arts Program K-12. Through this, our Elementary buildings have been able to implement the Open Court Reading (incorporating the Science of Reading) for its first full year – with this addition, and transitioning to all-day Kindergarten this school year, we are seeing remarkable gains in literacy for our students.
During the summer of 2022, MLS was able to run a variety of summer programming, including many experiences for our Middle and Elementary school students, and a credit recovery program for students at the High School. MLS intends to offer summer programs for students again this year.
Additionally, MLS has been able to maintain staff at Madison High School with the assistance of ARPA and purchase much needed technology.
Ms. Smith adds, “Currently, there is no change in how we will use the remaining funds; the district will once again be offering a summer enrichment program and is planning on continuing all-day Kindergarten for the 2023-24 school year.”