Legislature gives $20 million in relief funds to private schools [View all]

Legislators approved $20 million in federal pandemic relief funds to private K-12 schools and private colleges for infrastructure improvements last week, despite concerns from some that public dollars should stay with public schools.

The money comes from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which gave the Mississippi Legislature $1.8 billion to spend on pandemic response, government services, and infrastructure improvements to water, sewer, and broadband.

After several rounds of deliberation, the Legislature approved grants of $10 million each to private K-12 schools and private colleges and universities.

Private schools must be members of the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools or accredited by another regional or national accrediting organization to be eligible for the grant.

Read more: https://www.meridianstar.com/news/state/legislature-gives-20-million-in-relief-funds-to-private-schools/article_d02094e0-b672-5980-8ce5-0fc402c4393e.html