School poses question to parents and patrons on how to spend stimulus money
The Gentry School District is soliciting ideas from parents and patrons for effective ways to invest federal stimulus dollars made available to the district by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Readers may visit the district’s Web site at www.gentrypioneers.com to participate in a short survey. The survey will close at 9 a.m., Thursday, May 28.
The purpose of the survey is to gather information about what parents or patrons of the school district would suggest is the most effective use of “stimulus funds” in the Gentry School District for 2009-2010.
The survey is anonymous and survey takers will not and cannot be personally identified, the Web site states.
According to the opening page of the survey, the stimulus money has rules attached, with the key points being:
• Will it invest in the economy?
• Is it a one-time, short-term (no longer than two years) investment with long term benefits?
• Is the expenditure allowable under the funding mechanism?
• Will the program, activity or item proposed lead to improved student academic performance?
There are many more specific requirements that must be met as well.
A detailed explanation for the ARRA funds in the state may be found at http://recovery.arkansas.gov, and, with public schools specifically in mind, at http://recovery.arkansas.gov/ade/ade_index.html.
Survey takers are encouraged to research the latter site prior to completing this survey, the Web site states.
“Our goal within the Gentry School District is to spend the money wisely in seeking to improve the academic achievement of the students we serve,” wrote school superintendent Dr. Randy Barrett. “I thank you in advance for taking time to share your views,” he said.