Bristol Looking For What To Do With Federal Dollars

By Dean Wright, The Bristol Press

July 1, 2021

With the passage of the American Rescue Plan and availability of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund money, Bristol Public Schools are seeking public and anonymous feedback from the greater community to make use of federal dollars.

The money, totaling around $18 million, is to assist with the emergency relief of elementary and secondary schools, according to a release.

American Rescue plan funding is intended to support continued access for students to have in-person instruction and to address the emotional, mental health and social needs of students and staff over the course of the next two school years.

“How we could best support the needs of our scholars and teachers while maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment, as well as how to improve our district’s buildings, classrooms, and equipment are key areas of focus,” said Superintendent Catherine Carbone in the release. “We have begun surveying our parents and families, teachers and staff, and now seek the input of our greater Bristol community.”

Funding will be used for academic renewal, student enrichment, family and communication connections, behavioral needs of staff and students, strategic use of technology, staff development and building healthy and safe schools.

The school district announced in May a three-part plan to make use of the funding as part of a joint press conference with Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, Acting Connecticut State Department of Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker and Bristol Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu. The plan parts are titled Bristol ESSER Aspire, Advance and Bolster.

The advance portion seeks to bring summer enrichment and engagement opportunities to students prior to the coming school year. “Bolster” will offer in-classroom support to allow growth and learning growth and acceleration over all grades, said the release. “Aspire” looks to turn tutors into role models for students through partnerships with local institutions of higher learning. Some high school students will also be given the opportunity to tutor younger students.

More information can be found by contacting Bristol Public Schools Executive Director of Communications, Community Partnerships and Strategic Planning at brianburke@bristolk12.org.

Area residents can take part in a survey hosted on ThoughtExchange at https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/698229158/welcome.