NAESP Statement on Passage of Coronavirus Response Funding For Schools

Alexandria, VA—December 22, 2020—“On behalf of elementary and middle school principals from across the country, the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) applauds the passage of the COVID-19 relief package, which includes $54 billion in direct support for K-12 schools. This boost in funding will help principals respond to the enormous current needs they are facing, including expanding sanitation protocols, providing personal protective equipment for staff and students, reconfiguring school spaces to meet social distancing guidelines, expanding professional development opportunities for staff, ensuring reliable home internet access for students, addressing student learning loss, and boosting mental health and trauma sensitivity supports for students. The U.S. Department of Education should focus on getting these funds to states expeditiously to ensure schools receive immediate support during this time of extraordinary turmoil.

Passage of this relief package is a good start to support schools in addressing current needs, but significantly more federal support will be needed in the coming months. With K-12 schools facing decreased state and local aid due to declining income and sales tax revenue, and more costs for schools on the horizon, another strong federal response will be required. NAESP urges the 117th Congress and the Biden Administration to provide additional federal support for schools in early 2021 to ensure they have ample resources to safely reopen when local conditions allow, address ongoing costs for the current school year, plan and prepare for summer enrichment and intervention programs, and put schools in a strong position to begin the 2021 school year. NAESP looks forward to continue to work with members of both parties to provide additional K-12 coronavirus response funding that matches the gravity of the moment during this perilous moment for educators, families, and students.”