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Due to the pandemic during 2020, the federal government issued assistance to all schools within the United States. The funds are referred to as “ESSER Funds” Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief.
Congress set aside approximately $13.2 billion of the $30.75 billion allotted to the Education Stabilization Fund through the Coronavirus Aid Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER Fund). Signed into law on March 20, 2021, the Department awarded these grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) for the purpose of providing local educational agencies (LEAs), including charter schools that are LEAs, with emergency relief funds to address the impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools across the Nation.
ESSER Fund awards to SEAs are in the same proportion as each State received funds under Part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended, in fiscal year 2019.
Simpson County School District hired Machado/Patano Engineering and Architecture Group from Biloxi to assist in assessing the property needs and how the ESSER Funds could be spent toward improvements.
Machao/Patano Group met with the Simpson County School Board Thursday, August 5, 2021, during a special called meeting to discuss their suggestions and finding.
Except for Mendenhall Junior High, the following improvements seemed to be the priority. It has been determined no improvements need to be invested into the structure at Mendenhall Junior High and relocation of this facility is being addressed and studied. Presently, money is being used to build a new 5th grade wing at Mendenhall Elementary solving one grade relocation at Mendenhall Junior High.
Simpson Central appears to be in the most need of repairs. Several buildings at this location are in poor condition. The Engineering Group of Machado/Patano suggested improvements to the restrooms, work rooms, and janitor support are a need. A Multi-purpose band hall and new gym entrance was needed. A kitchen and cafeteria would need to be built. The total for this project came to $6,714,806.00.
Next area of improvement was at Mendenhall High School. A new cafeteria and kitchen are needed. A secured administration and public entry area along with a media center are needed. The total cost for the project would run $2,816,785.00.
The Simpson County School Board approved to move forward with these recommendations.
The board is still actively in discussions on the best needs for facility issues.
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