Committee member Rep. Jamie Kiel, R-Russellville, said he’s pleased the newest funding would be distributed directly to local boards of education.
“Our local leaders know the needs of our students better than bureaucrats in Washington or Montgomery,” Kiel said. “Because this money must be spent by 2024, I have recommended to our local systems that they do not start programs or hire employees that they expect to fund in 2025 and beyond. This one time funding should be invested in projects that impact student achievement in the near term.”