Congresswoman Kathy Castor announced that $72 million in Recovery Act dollars was released today for Tampa Bay area schools. The money will immediately help save jobs in our schools while improving educational opportunities for thousands of students.

"This money is critical to help our cash-strapped schools provide a high-quality education to our students," Castor said. "This rapid infusion will allow our school districts – some of the largest employers in our region – to keep teachers and support personnel employed and create jobs by hiring private companies to provide services and materials."

The money released today is targeted to Title I schools and the IDEA initiative. Title I schools contain a large percentage of children from low-income families. The Recovery Plan targets additional money to these schools to hire highly qualified staff and to promote high academic achievement. IDEA, or Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, helps make sure students with disabilities – such as autism, students who are blind and students with mobility challenges – receive the education services they deserve and by law, must receive.

Today’s funding represents the first half of direct funding for Title I and IDEA for schools under President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The remaining funds will be released this fall.

Tampa Bay area schools also are in line for $51.7 million to modernize schools and create 21^{st century classrooms, $950,000 for educational technology grants and an additional $4.8 million for Head Start.}

"I’m excited about the money coming from the Recovery Act to help our students and hard-working teachers," Castor said. "This is the first step to helping our school districts – major employers in our area."