The Henry, Obion and Benton County School districts and the Paris Special Schools had plenty to celebrate this morning when they learned they are among only 68 schools in Tennessee that are recognized as a Best for All District school.
Each Best for All districts are being awarded grant funds from the state department’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, with Obion County Schools to receive $200,000; Henry County Schools, $200,000; PSSD $175,000; and Benton County $200,000.
Celebrations were held as the announcements were livestreamed to the districts this morning.
The awards were given for significantly investing federal COVID-19 stimulus funding to drive student achievement and improve academic outcomes.
Best for All Districts will receive financial, operational, celebratory, and resource benefits in appreciation for districts’ planned investments to spend their share of the $3.58 billion in federal COVID-19 relief and stimulus funding directly on services, resources and supports that will help students achieve academically. Additionally, each Best for All district was awarded grant funds from the department’s ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund) funds, with the full grant funding for Best for All Districts totaling more than $15 million.
“Tennessee’s ‘Best For All’ districts have gone above and beyond to invest strategically in student achievement, address learning loss, and drive positive outcomes,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “As we continue to prioritize students, I commend each of these high-performing districts for their hard work and thank our teachers and administrators for their commitment to providing high-quality education across Tennessee.”
“Tennessee’s Best for All districts are truly deserving of this recognition for their strong commitment to strategically investing in their students at a time when there were literally billions of other opportunities to spend,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “Our kids deserve the best possible education we can provide them, and I am proud to honor our Best for All districts for their leadership in putting a clear focus on academic achievement to help them succeed.”
Photo: Students at Harrelson School in Puryear celebrate this morning. (Harrelson School photo).