Alexandria Schools Seek Input On Relief Funds, Equity

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria City Public Schools is seeking input on use of federal relief funds and the perception of equity and school climate.

Feedback on use of the American Rescue Plan Act's Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief can be provided through June 18, while the Equity for All Climate Survey is open through June 20.

ACPS is receiving funding through the American Rescue Plan Act's Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief. The fund is designed to is to help schools safely reopen, operate, and address the impacts of COVID-19 by addressing students’ academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. The funding can be used to address the COVID-19 impacts on services during school building closures as well as for plans to return to normal school operations. ACPS is planning to offer five days of in-person learning in the fall or the option of virtual learning through Virtual Virginia.

"As part of this process, it is important for ACPS to hear from our community members about how they would like to see this grant used in support of students, staff and school operations," said Superintendent Gregory Hutchings, Jr. in a statement.

The survey is open in English, Spanish, Amharic, and Arabic through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 18.

Residents may also provide comments at the June 17 school board public hearing focused on the fall reopening at 5 p.m. Another public hearing on the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief plan will be held in August.

The ACPS Equity For All Climate Survey is geared toward ACPS families, staff and students in grades 6 to 12. It is being conducted through Hanover Research to measure perceptions of the current climate and equity at ACPS.

Feedback will inform the work to fulfill the five-year Equity for All 2025 strategic plan. The plan pledges to provide an equitable, high-quality education accessible and engaging to all students. An equity climate survey will be administered each year as a part of the strategic plan.

"Racial equity is at the center of every decision that our school division makes, and the voices of our students, staff and families are at the heart of our planning and implementation," said Hutchings. "We encourage all in the ACPS community to share their voice by providing candid feedback related to their own lived experiences within our schools and school division."

The survey is open through 11:59 p.m. on June 20.