Medfield share of Federal $$$ = $1.28m. (to town), $2.4m. (to Norfolk County), & $414K (to schools)

The Town of Medfield appears in line to get the American Recovery Plan Federal monies in three separate pools:

1. $1.28 m. from the American Recovery Plan paid to the Town of Medfield;
2. $2.5 m. from the American Recovery Plan paid to Norfolk County for Medfield; and
3. $414,000 from the American Recovery Plan going to the Medfield Schools under the ESSER Fund.

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This is from the Massachusetts Municipal Association chart about the first two items:

MMA provides analysis of municipal aid expected from American Rescue Plan

Town Administrator, Kristine Trierweiler, reports that the County has not determined what the County will do with their share and how it will be distributed.

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This email is from Congressman Auchincloss’ office about the third item:

From: O’Neil, Kevin
Date: Fri, Mar 19, 2021 at 12:29 PM
Subject: FW: American Rescue Plan- Estimated ESSER Funds
To:

Good morning Superintendent, State Senator, State Representatives, and Town Administrator,

The Congressional Research Service recently released estimates for grants expected to be issued to Local Education Agencies under the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund included in the American Rescue Plan. Below is the estimated amount your school district can expect to receive, along with information on how funds can be used. As the Department of Education and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) release further guidance, our office will continue to update you all and answer any outstanding questions.

Medfield School District estimated funds under the ESSER Fund – $414,000

How funds can be used (please note this list is not exhaustive and will be subject to further agency guidance)-

1. At least 20% of funds received by an LEA must be used to address learning loss through the implementation of evidence-based interventions, including summer learning, extended day or afterschool programs, or extended school year programs.
2. Remaining funds may be used for any activities under current law, and other key activities including but not limited to:
   1. Purchasing sanitation and PPE, training school staff on pandemic preparedness measures and developing health protocols in alignment with CDC guidelines;
   2. Repairing school facilities to reduce virus transmission and exposure to environmental health hazards;
   3. Providing technology for online learning to all students, including hardware, software and connectivity, and meals to eligible students engaged in remote learning;
   4. Providing mental health services for students;
   5. Other activities necessary to maintain continuity of services for school districts and employment of staff

Additionally, school districts must solicit public input on and publish plans for the safe return to in-person instruction within 30 days after receipt of funds.

Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Best,

Kevin O’Neil

Kevin O’Neil  | District Representative
Office of Congressman Jake Auchincloss, MA-4

29 Crafts Street, Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458

Office: (617) 332-3333

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Details will follow on how the monies can be used.