The State of Iowa was notified on Monday that $26.2 million in federal relief will be delivered to assist with ensuring education continues for those students impacted by COVID-19. Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education say this is part of a nearly $3 billion Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This fund will allow governors to determine how to best meet the needs of students in public and non-public schools, post-secondary institutions and other educational-related organizations. The goal is to provide and expand broadband access and improve access to technology in other ways. This could include Wi-Fi hotspots and devices. Funding can also be used for professional development related to remote learning for educators. “Rapidly expanding and improving broadband access is essential for our state’s future,” says Gov. Reynolds. “As we have seen with a pandemic and an ever-changing economy, learning must continue beyond the classroom. These resources will equip Iowa schools and educators to have a pathway for student success in the growing digital classroom and future workplace.” The Iowa Department of Education along with the State Office of the Chief Information Officer are conducting a statewide survey regarding barriers Iowans face to remote learning, including broadband access. That survey targets families with kindergarten through 12th grade students but does ask about college students. This disbursement is in addition to $71.6 million Iowa received in federal relief for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade schools in the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund within the CARES Act.
