Libby schools consider spending plans for over $4 million in federal funds

Administrators with Libby Public Schools are finalizing plans for how best to spend over $4.25 million in federal coronavirus relief funds.

The monies are the latest in a series of allocations through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), a federal package meant to assist districts with reopening and safely operating schools during the coronavirus pandemic. In March, the fund received a $122 billion infusion as part of the American Rescue Plan Act and federal officials began directing monies to state educational agencies and school districts.

As part of Montana’s $552 million allotments, Libby School District received $1,600,181.46 in ESSER II funds and $2,651,000 in ESSER III monies.

While the sums are significant, school administrators must adhere to a strict set of guidelines when deciding how to disburse the funds. Ron Goodman, Libby superintendent, told school board members during a June 7 meeting that the district would have to direct its spending towards dealing with the current pandemic or preparing for a future pandemic.

To that end, administrators plan to funnel most of the ESSER funds toward improving air quality in schools, addressing learning loss due to the pandemic and bolstering the district’s kitchen services.

The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in the Libby Middle High School and the Plummer Preschool Center are set to receive upgrades costing $500,000 and $79,000 respectively through the ESSER II allotment. The district plans to funnel an additional $1.25 million into the middle high school’s HVAC system from the ESSER III allocation.

The new systems come with bacteria and virus filters but are also designed to improve overall air quality by capturing mold and mildew particles. Goodman said upgrading the district’s heating systems would help schools move away from expensive diesel fuel systems.

“So we can increase air quality and also have a situation that makes the building more efficient to heat and save us money in the long run,” he said.

Administrators anticipate spending $500,000 to remodel a kitchen and $17,500 to boost the district’s food delivery system as part of the ESSER II funds. Officials included a $200,000 allotment to improve food storage and access with the ESSER III monies.

Plans to begin cleaning Asa Wood Elementary School in October could impact the district’s use of their kitchen in the defunct building next school year.

Under the ESSER program, Goodman said administrators must allocate 20 percent of their funding towards learning loss associated with the pandemic. The district’s preliminary budget for ESSER III includes $60,000 for its after school program and a total of $762,000 to cover the salaries of various teachers, paraprofessionals and staff needed to address learning loss.

As part of the ESSER II funds, administrators are looking to spend $86,000 on summer school transportation and $7,000 for summer school in June.

The district also intends to use the ESSER funds to tackle lingering maintenance costs. As part of the ESSER II allocation, administrators plan to direct $261,475.16 to repair a section of the Libby Elementary School roof and $95,754 to renovate the elementary school gym roof. Goodman said roof upgrades would help the district improve the air quality in buildings.

Administrators are also looking to bolster the district’s health services. A $30,000 portion of the ESSER III funds is budgeted for the school nurse and mental health. District officials may also spend $15,000 to maintain the nurse office at the middle high school.

Before finalizing their ESSER budgets, school officials are seeking public comment. Administrators must submit their plans for the funds by August 24.* District officials must spend the money by June 30, 2024.

To date, the school district has received $627,023 through the Coronavirus Relief Fund and $379,116 through the first round of ESSER funding.

• The original version of this article stated administrators must submit their plans by June 24.