MALDEN –- More than $600,000 in public funding has been awarded to Taunton Public Schools in a matching grant to improve remote learning.

The Baker-Polito Administration on Friday announced $32.9 million in remote learning technology grants to 253 school districts across the Commonwealth to help give students adequate access to technology to strengthen instruction both in the classroom and at home.

“School districts will use the funds from the competitive matching grant, in conjunction with other funds, to improve the use of technology and strengthen teaching and learning by purchasing computers, assistive technologies, and ensure sufficient internet access for students,” the administration announced in a press release. “The grants will also cover reimbursement costs to districts that have already spent funds on technology during the school closures that began in March.”

The grant is one of several funding sources designed to help Massachusetts school districts address costs related to COVID-19 as schools reopen. Those include:

$50 million from the federal Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund (part of the federal CARES Act funds) for K-12 schools and colleges and universities;
$182 million from the Commonwealths’ federal Coronavirus Relief Fund (up to $225 per student) for schools;
$502 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund previously allocated to cities and towns and;
$194 million in federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund grants.

Taunton’s grant amount is $640,309. Grant awards for other area school districts include the following:

Bridgewater Raynham: $166,452

Bristol Aggie: $25,455

Bristol Plymouth: $16,385

Dighton-Rehoboth: $152,712

Easton: $156,553

Freetown Lakeville: $95,907

Middleborough: $6,892