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State Offering Grants to Oklahoma Schools Spending Initial CARES Act Funds in Priority Areas

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Oklahoma schools are eligible to apply for federal funds available to respond to the coronavirus.

Gov. Kevin Stitt Stitt and state Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said Friday that $16 million is available, with grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 based on enrollment as of Oct. 1, 2019. The money is coming from Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funds controlled by Stitt and the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

Oklahoma's more than 500 school districts have already received $160 million through the CARES Act. To apply for the grants, schools must have spent at least 30% of their initial  funding in at least two of five priority areas, like distance learning and providing mental health support for students experiencing trauma due to the virus.

Oklahoma received about $1.5 billion in federal funding to support COVID-19-related government expenses.

The state Board of Education in March voted to close public schools statewide for the remainder of the school year and to turn to distance learning in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Plans for reopening schools this fall were released this month.

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