WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced today a total of approximately $94,500 in new federal assistance for Georgia under the Immediate Aid to Restart School Operations (K-12 Restart) program. The award announced today is the first in a multiphase award process designed to provide prompt initial funding, while offering subsequent opportunities for additional assistance through future applications.

"I look forward to the Department's continued work with Gov. Nathan Deal, Superintendent Richard Woods and their teams, as we work to ensure schools have the resources students and teachers need to fully restore educational activities," said Secretary DeVos. "This additional funding will help to restore a safe and healthy learning environment."

Under the K-12 Restart program, the Department is authorized to award funds to state educational agencies (SEAs) with students and schools impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the 2017 California wildfires. These SEAs, in turn, will provide assistance or services to local educational agencies (LEAs), including charter schools and private schools, to help defray expenses related to restarting school operations and restoring the normal learning environment for students and families.

This initial award to the Georgia Department of Education was made in the amount of approximately $94,500. The Department has made initial awards to five additional SEAs: California Department of Education, Florida Department of Education, Puerto Rico Department of Education, Texas Education Agency and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Education.

Award amounts were developed based on information provided by the SEAs in their applications, including the number of schools affected as a result of a covered disaster or emergency and how long they were closed.

Congress appropriated a combined amount of approximately $2.5 billion for both the K-12 Restart and Emergency Impact Aid for Displaced Students (K-12 Displaced Students) programs. The amounts awarded under each program will be based on demand and specific data received from eligible applicants. The Department released the application for the K-12 Displaced Students program on April 25.

For additional information on the programs for K-12 schools and school districts, please contact Paul Kesner at Paul.Kesner@ed.gov.