Governor’s Initiative to Address Learning Loss
In a significant move to address the educational challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared on January 31, 2024, the distribution of $100 million across 50 school districts in the state. The primary objective is to combat pandemic-induced learning loss and expand access to mental health resources.
Grants for Learning Loss Recovery
Fifteen school districts and BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services) were awarded grants specifically designed to aid recovery from learning loss caused by the pandemic. These grants are intended to enhance student access to academic recovery professionals, facilitating the identification of learning gaps among both school staff and students.
Mental Health Support Grants
In parallel, 40 school districts received grants aimed at bolstering mental health care services. The funds will be utilized to help students and staff identify mental health concerns, as well as to promote student diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Allocations to Specific Districts
Several school districts across New York received substantial allocations for both pandemic learning loss recovery and mental health resources. Notable beneficiaries include:
- Syracuse City School District: Awarded $5 million for pandemic learning loss and an additional $5 million for mental health resources.
- Liverpool Central School District: Granted $3.9 million for mental health care.
- Solvay Union Free School District: Received $1.1 million for pandemic learning loss recovery.
- Oneida City School District: Granted $1 million, primarily for mental health support.
- Auburn Enlarged City School District: Received approximately $800,000 to address mental health concerns.
Grants Overview
The comprehensive table below details the breakdown of grants for both Pandemic Learning Loss RECOVS and Mental Health RECOVS:
Pandemic Learning Loss RECOVS Awardees:
| School Districts/BOCES | Award Amount |
|---|---|
| Amityville School District | $1,030,422 |
| Broome Tioga BOCES | $4,147,183 |
| Buffalo City School District | $2,883,515 |
| Clyde-Savannah Central School District | $1,188,000 |
| Cuba-Rushford Central School | $308,298 |
| Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES | $667,742 |
| Hempstead Union Free School District | $5,000,000 |
| Lyons Central School District | $1,373,141 |
| New York City Public Schools | $19,722,761 |
| Port Chester-Rye Union Free School District | $2,400,000 |
| Sodus Central School District | $1,308,000 |
| Solvay Union Free School District | $1,187,298 |
| Syracuse City School District | $5,000,000 |
| Watertown City School District | $1,783,640 |
| Yonkers City School District | $2,000,000 |
(Courtesy of the Governor’s Office)
Mental Health RECOVS Awardees:
| School Districts/BOCES | Award Amount |
|---|---|
| Auburn Enlarged City School District | $828,421 |
| Baldwinsville Central School District | $568,022 |
| Bellmore Union Free School District | $431,724 |
| Buffalo City School District | $5,000,000 |
| Canajoharie Central School District | $163,602 |
| Carmel Central School District | $227,432 |
| Clarence Central School District | $921,702 |
| Dryden Central School District | $231,820 |
| Dunkirk City School District | $290,572 |
| East Quogue Union Free School District | $663,180 |
| Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES | $364,202 |
| Freeport Union Free School District | $1,344,000 |
| Gouverneur Central School | $508,336 |
| Gowanda Central School District | $182,733 |
| Haverstraw-Stony Point Central School District | $3,499,312 |
| Hendrick Hudson School District | $474,770 |
| Iroquois Central School District | $200,000 |
| Liverpool Central School District | $3,925,110 |
| Lyons Central School District | $1,368,357 |
| Monroe 1 BOCES | $373,262 |
| Moravia Central School District | $360,880 |
| Oneida City School District | $1,000,000 |
| Peekskill City School District | $2,207,130 |
| Pine Bush Central School District | $503,829 |
| Red Hook Central School District | $786,400 |
| Rochester City School District | $1,266,800 |
| Roxbury Central School District | $231,440 |
| Saranac Central School District | $2,487,466 |
| Schenectady City School District | $2,491,944 |
| Schodack Central School District | $151,852 |
| Shenendehowa Central School District | $248,581 |
| South Country Central School District | $252,500 |
| South Glens Falls | $2,560,877 |
| Southern Westchester BOCES | $2,347,319 |
| Syracuse City School District | $5,000,000 |
| Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga BOCES | $702,556 |
| Tonawanda City School District | $1,250,106 |
| Wappingers Central School District | $2,527,780 |
| Williamsville Central School District | $55,983 |
| Yonkers City School District | $2,000,000 |
(Courtesy of the Governor’s Office)
Addressing Educational Challenges: A Multi-Faceted Approach
The allocation of funds to combat pandemic learning loss and enhance mental health resources demonstrates a multi-faceted approach to address the diverse challenges faced by students and educators in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing targeted support, the initiative aims to create a more resilient and inclusive educational environment.
Strengthening Education and Well-being
The significant investment in these initiatives reflects a commitment to strengthening both the educational and mental well-being aspects of students and school communities. As the funds are strategically utilized, it is anticipated that these measures will contribute to a more robust and adaptive education system in New York.
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