Education:
1. Distribution of CARES Dollars 
2. Mask Wearing Requirements for Schools


1. Governor Ducey Begins Distribution Of Federal CARES Act Dollars To K-12 Schools​
The Governor’s Office will begin the process to distribute $370 million in CARES Act money to K-12 school districts and charter schools today. In total, more than $716 million in federal COVID relief funding has been directed to Arizona K-12 schools. 

The Enrollment Stabilization Grant (ESG) Program was first announced as part of the “Arizona: Open For Learning Plan,” which improves schools’ budget stability, increases funding for students who choose virtual options, and provides additional resources to cover the cost of in-person learning. 

The school districts and charter schools have the flexibility to use ESG program dollars as needed to continue the safe operation of their schools in either an in-person or virtual setting. Some examples of eligible activities are teacher salaries, distance learning, technology, enhanced sanitation, and PPE. The process to distribute the funding begins today, and every eligible district and charter that applied will receive funding. The Governor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting will verify whether schools met grant criteria such as providing in-person support services for students in need during school hours, conducting benchmark testing and completing financial reporting before funding is released.

“Our office has been working with school leaders, educators and families to ensure schools and students have the support they need,” said Governor Ducey. “Schools are facing additional costs to maintain health and safety in the classroom and to make sure students learning online stay engaged. Today’s funding will help schools meet the needs of kids while keeping our communities safe.” 

Background
In total, more than $716 million in new federal funding has been directed to Arizona K-12 education this year: $370 million in Enrollment Stabilization Grant Program funding from the Governor’s Office; $69.2 million in Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funding, and $277.4 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER Fund) funding awarded directly to the Arizona Department of Education, which will distribute the dollars to local K-12 schools.  

In July, the Governor announced the “Arizona: Open for Learning” plan. The plan provides maximum options for Arizona families, ensures students receive a full academic year of education, invests a total of $440 million in federal dollars to our schools, and gives local school leaders the flexibility and public health guidance to make the best decisions for their students.

As part of this investment, Arizona has dedicated more than $69 million from the GEER Fund, part of the CARES Act, for Arizona schools and students in greatest need. The investments include: 

• $40 million to expand broadband in rural communities and bridge the digital divide;
• $19.5 million in additional support for high-need schools;
• $6 million in the Arizona Teachers Academy;
• $1.5 million in microgrants to support innovative programs to continue educating Arizona students;
• $1 million for vehicles for the Arizona School For The Deaf And Blind;
• $700,000 for leadership development through Beat The Odds Leadership Academy; and
• $500,000 to expand the number of our nation’s eager and talented college students to work with schools serving Arizona’s most vulnerable student populations.

 In addition, the bipartisan budget agreement signed by Governor Ducey on March 28 included new investments for K-12 schools, including:

• $175 million for the third installment of the 20x2020 teacher pay raise plan;
• $67 million in accelerated flexible funding for schools, which can be used on things such as technology, textbooks, building renewal, and personnel; and
• $90 million for school building renewal, in addition to $28 million FY2020 supplemental funding, for a total of more than $118 million in new dollars for school repairs and maintenance.

---

​​2. Arizona Department Of Health Services Strengthens Mask Wearing Requirement For Schools
​
Emergency Measure Aims To Improve Mitigation Measures On Campuses And Buses

 To protect the health of our school communities, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) today issued an emergency measure requiring district and charter schools to immediately mandate that masks are worn on school campuses, on school buses and during school-associated activities by all students, faculty, staff, contractors, and visitors.  

“Keeping kids and teachers safe is one of our top priorities,” said Governor Ducey. “This emergency measure issued by ADHS addresses the serious threat COVID-19 poses to our communities. It requires schools to implement the simple step of mask-wearing to reduce transmission and keep our kids safe.”

In July, Governor Ducey issued Executive Order 2020-51, which required all school districts and charter schools to develop and implement a policy to require masks for all staff and students. It also required ADHS and the Arizona Department of Education to work collaboratively to develop the Guidance for Safely Returning to Schools, based on the Roadmap for Reopening Schools.

As part of this guidance, schools must implement COVID-19 mitigation strategies, based on the school benchmarks, to keep students and staff safe on campuses. These mitigation strategies include mask-wearing, physical distancing, increased cleaning and disinfecting protocols, limiting the size of groups, and increased hand hygiene.

“Based on recently released data, we now know masks provide more protection than previously thought,” said ADHS Director Dr. Cara Christ. “The new studies show that wearing a mask also protects the mask wearer, not just those around them. I encourage everyone to wear a mask whenever they are around people they don’t live with.” 

Public health works closely with schools to provide technical assistance to schools on implementing mitigation measures, such as masks. To ensure everyone who needs a mask has access to one, ADHS has partnered with Hanes to provide five free masks to students and their families. Families and schools can go to azhealth.gov/ordermasks to have free masks shipped to them.

​TAKE THE SURVEY NOW 
2020 Business Climate Census Survey
Many in our business community are experiencing both challenges and successes as our economy grows. As we work to secure the NW Valley's future, it is crucial that the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce understand what issues are most important to businesses. The purpose of the Business Climate Survey is to track trends and issues affecting businesses and to inform elected officials about the issues and concerns of the local business community. 
Click Here Now, To Take Our Annual Business Climate Survey