WS/FCS to fund accelerated learning, enrichment and mental health in last round of COVID-19 relief

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools received $215 million through the second and third rounds of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds.

Most of the money has been spent already. But the remaining $26 million must be dispersed by Sept. 30, 2024.

The district’s Chief Federal Programs Officer Kelly Hales gave an update at a school board meeting on Tuesday on how the ESSER funds have been spent so far, and how the district plans to allocate the rest. 

“Our schools have been able to utilize funding and continue to have the option to use funding for field trips, exploratory activities such as clubs, again, engaging students in opportunities to connect to the school community," Hales said. 

Hales said those activities will continue to be a priority, along with mental and behavioral health support for students. As of Sept. 15, about $90 million in ESSER funds have gone toward accelerating student learning, and $9 million has gone toward social, emotional, behavioral and mental health support for students. 

Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.