The Johnson County Commission has announced the Rapid Relief Technology for K-12 Schools funding preapprovals under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. A total of $2,162,143 was preapproved for nine K-12 schools in Johnson County.

A news release says the Johnson County Commission announced last month that a portion of the county’s $6.3 million in CARES Act money would be made available to the county’s K-12 schools for technology needs through an application process. The funding will assist those K-12 schools located primarily in Johnson County with timely delivery, integration and payment for critical virtual learning tools.

Eligible expenses for this application were only those for unbudgeted hardware, software and IT personnel expenses to facilitate the most beneficial virtual learning environment for students and teachers. A 10-cent match will be paid by the school for every $1 of reimbursement.

Presiding Commissioner Bill Gabel said: “The K-12 education community needs our support more than ever, both in spirit and financially, as they return to educating Johnson County’s best and brightest. My fellow commissioners and I are proud that these county CARES Funds will go toward assisting Johnson County schools, students, and families. The increased technology capabilities will really make an impact in education and public health during this difficult time and allow students to transition to virtual education, should that need arise.”

Award recipients will be required to enter into a written agreement with the County prior to disbursement of awarded funds. Pending completed agreements, the Johnson County Commission approved not-to-exceed funding awards.

The school district recipients were:
Chilhowee R-IV School District– $25,141.25; Crest Ridge R-VII School District– $251,040.37; Holden R-III School District– $223,686.74; Johnson County Christian Academy– $190,065.60; Kingsville R-I School District– $19,189.36; Knob Noster R-VIII School District– $910,911.96; Leeton R-X School District– $56,531.39; Warrensburg Christian School– $22,167.73; and Warrensburg R-VI School District– $463,408.16.