School districts ponder spending of federal aid

Pennsylvania is getting $2.7 billion in new aid for education.

STAFF REPORT

FARRELL, Pa. — Sharon’s schools superintendent is anticipating money for a new elementary school.

Farrell’s superintendent says the district will update its libraries.

And New Castle may invest in some new computers and SMART boards, says its superintendent.

School districts in Lawrence and Mercer counties are deciding how to spend their share of $2.7 billion Pennsylvania is getting in federal stimulus money for education.

They say they’re cautious with their plans, though, because the allocations will not be final until the state passes its budget.

School districts will have a lot of leeway in how to spend their shares, said U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire of Aliquippa, D-4th, who recently celebrated Farrell School District’s $1.4 million allocation with staff and students.

Some of the money must be spent according to guidelines under programs for economically disadvantaged or disabled students. Some of the money can be used for new buildings or remodeling old ones.

Most of the allocation totals reflect stimulus money, though there is some state money in the mix, said Leah Harris, assistant press secretary at the state Department of Education.

Farrell Superintendent Lawrence Connelly told staff and students the district has ideas on how it will spend the money, though they aren’t “carved in stone.” He urged students and residents to make suggestions to district officials.

Connelly said the district will use the money for class-size reduction, professional development and training teachers to use technology in their classrooms.

He said the district wants to make improvements to science labs, offer tutoring during school hours and offer more summer-school opportunities.

He said special-education services will focus on inclusion.

He also said the district will make improvements to school libraries, including their collections and their environments.

“So you want to go, sit and read or do homework,” he said.

Sharon Superintendent John Sarandrea said his district also will use the money for professional development and technology upgrades.

Sarandrea said Tuesday after the state updated its allocation figures that he was happy to see Sharon is being given twice as much money now for building and remodeling.

The district is ready to build a new elementary school, he said.

New Castle Superintendent George Gabriel said his district will use the money for professional development and technology upgrades, such as new computers and SMART boards, which are interactive, electronic whiteboards that can enhance instruction and learning.

He also said the money can be used for aides or transportation for disabled students.