The City Schools of Decatur is currently in the consultation phase with Private Schools regarding CARES Act Equitable Services participation. If you are a non-profit, K-12 Private School, and were not contacted regarding CARES Act Consultation for CARES Act Equitable Services participation, please contact Willie Washington at wwashington@csdecatur.net as soon as possible but no later than Friday, November 6, 2020.

CARES Act Overview

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020.  The Georgia Department of Education is working in earnest to allocate these funds to districts as quickly and seamlessly as possible once we receive the funding from USED.  The CARES Act provides education funding to state education agencies and local education agencies to support schools as they are dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic.  GaDOE has received approved from USED for it's state application for K-12 CARES Act funding. On May 5, 2020, these allocations will be awarded to districts.

CARES Act Funding is a One-time, formula allocation made directly to districts. These funds are designed to Supplement the cost of COVID-19-related expenses. These funds are retroactive to March 13, 2020, and after. CARES Act funds expire September 2022.  K-12 CARES Act Funding has 8 primary focus areas. (Click here for infographic)

• At-risk student populations
• Distance/Remote Learning
• School Meals
• Mental and Physical Health
• Supplemental Learning
• Facilities and Equipment
• Professional Development
• Continuity of Core Staff and Services

The CARES Act Private School Equitable Services allocation is made based on the most recent court rulings that have determined that allocations be made to states and school LEAs “in the same proportion as each State received under Part A of Title I of the ESEA of 1965 in the most recent fiscal year.” This method is based on residency and poverty data. In section 18005, Congress directed that equitable services be provided “in the same manner as provided under section 1117 of the ESEA of 1965.” 1117 is also a reference to Title I, Part A. In both methodologies the focus is allocating based on poverty as a way to supportschools and their studentswhomay be otherwise financially unable to address the academic and non-academic impact of COVID-19.