Hempfield school leaders seek input about how to use federal funds aimed at curbing learning loss

Leaders in the Hempfield Area School District are seeking community input on how to use thousands of potential grant dollars aimed at reversing learning loss.

In all, Hempfield could receive a total of $400,713 in ARP ESSER set-aside funds, which must go toward learning loss and summer enrichment and after-school programs.

Officials in November submitted an application to receive the funds. They are planning a meeting where community members can give their input on how the funds should be used if the application is approved. The meeting will be led by district administrators and will include teachers, parents, school board members and community representatives.

A date has not yet been set for the meeting, but those interested in participating should complete an online survey by Monday.

“The grant funds must be used for summer and after-school programming,” Superintendent Tammy Wolicki said. “Parent input assures that the programs are designed to meet the needs of our students and families. Our parents know their children best and can provide valuable input so that the funds are used to address needs.”

There is about $350 million in set-aside funds available to school districts across the state. Of that, $250 million is allotted to learning loss and there is $50 million each for summer and after-school programs.

Funds directed to learning loss are broken down further. At least 30% must go toward social, emotional or mental health supports for students, at least 10% must be used for professional development and technical assistance to teachers and school staff to address those needs and at least 8% must go toward reading support and improvement.

If Hempfield receives the total amount of funding, $286,223 must be dedicated to learning loss and $57,245 each for summer enrichment and after-school programs.

Of funds dedicated to learning loss, a minimum of $85,867 must be used for social, emotional and mental health support; a minimum of $28,622 for staffing to address those needs; and a minimum of $22,898 for reading support.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, funds must be used to support the needs of students disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

“We have to look through the lens of equity,” Wolicki said during a meeting in December. “Who are the children who had the greatest loss through the pandemic and how are we providing those summer enrichment and after-school programming opportunities for them?”

District officials said they likely will find out the status of the application in April.

The survey can be accessed on the district website at hasdpa.net and by going under “recent news.”