LISBON — The School Committee unanimously approved 2022-23 budget goals Monday.
Carried over from last year are improving programming focusing on academic and social emotional growth, keeping focused on mission and vision and maintaining the existing five-year capital plan. Others are considering technology improvements, maintaining professional development and time for staff and programming and facility improvements recommended by New England Association of Schools & Colleges for all schools.
Curriculum Coordinator Julie Nichols said curriculum focus since the start of the pandemic included how to reopen schools and stay open safely, help those experiencing disruptions in their education, address learning loss and close gaps while redefining education and supporting students who have become disengaged or fallen behind.
Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds came in three rounds, Nichols said, $2.22 million in 2020 and $4.04 million in 2021 from the federal government, and $172,950 in federal funds dispersed by the state. The deadline to use the first round of funds, which helped with infrastructure modifications allowing students to return to school, was extended to Sept. 30, 2022. Some of that went toward technology programs for distance learning, extra time for staff to reopen, water bottle refill stations and COVID-19 contact tracing went a long way, she said.
The second round, extended to Sept. 30, 2023, helped fulfill more technology needs, including devices, programs and software, extra staff and training, more substitute teachers, more in benefits including paid meals and transportation and outdoor learning expenses.
The remainder of round two funds and the third round will fund an additional guidance counselor for students with trauma and those requiring post-educational supports. It will also fund air quality and other structural upgrades, technology needs, professional development, family and student mental health supports, extended day programming, a summer program, a new math program and a bridge program for prekindergarten students who did not attend a public school.
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