Recovery soon, but how soon??

In the past few days I have been following the debate around the proposed stimulus package with baited breath. Yesterday I had a chance to read some of the details of the package as they relate to education and was thrilled to see over $100 Billion Dollars set aside for K-12 and Higher Education! While the money is divided up between 9 different programs the general allotment certainly eases the burden that will be felt by educators across the land. The money touches all public schools including charters and is promised to be delivered quickly upon a presidential signature.

Hallelujah

Of course that issue of when this money comes and with what strings attached lingers. According to the most optimistic sources the bill could be signed by February 16. If all goes as planned the money would start to flow by the end of March to Local Educational Agencies, State Departments of Education etc. If all goes well.

Some reports are identifying significant Republican opposition in the senate which could delay the bill through amendments and infighting for weeks. This opposition is not unexpected, but unfortunate. As the timeline for recovery extends the harder it will be to make significant gains in any industry let alone education.

The money that is available is important and important now.

It is critical for state and local school boards to understand what moneys are going to be available as soon as possible. As boards look to cut programs and staff they will face hard decisions without all of the best information. The federal government needs to step up and get this work done to help all of our schools make the right choices for the coming school years.