HAYS COUNTY — Hays CISD will get $266,356; Dripping Springs will get $91,794 and Wimberley ISD will get $33,397 in federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) funds under an agreement unanimously approved by the Commissioners Court at their Oct. 27 meeting.
The San Marcos CISD will be getting $108. Commissioners had $500,00 to divide among the county’s independent school districts based on student population. Prior to the allocation, the four school districts had expressed their needs with county officials.Court members said they understand that public school districts are struggling during this global pandemic.
of the funding.
“Our goal was to support our local school districts that are in need of relief from the expense of dealing with COVID-19,”County Judge Ruben Becerra said. “I’m proud of our court members for seizing this chance to utilize the funding for something so important.”
Commissioner Lon Shell, Pct. 3, added, “Hays County recognized this was a unique opportunity to assist these schools with their recovery efforts and I’m pleased we were able to come together and make this happen.”
“The districts need more masks and other protective items, and of course none of this was budgeted,” said Commissioner Mark Jones, Pct. 2. “Being able to assist them as they bring more students and staff back to campuses is critical.”
“I’m pleased the court was able to offer this needed support to our local independent school districts,” said Pct. 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe said. “We know how important this funding will be to our schools and more importantly our students and teachers.”
School districts will need to submit a written spending plan to ensure the funding agreement meets the federal reporting requirements under the CARES Act, which has defined parameters for how monies can be allocated.
