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Sánchez delivers $23 million check to ABCUSD as part of the American Rescue Plan’s school relief fund

July 7, 2021

NORWALK – On Wednesday, Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA) delivered a check in the amount of $23,640,015 to ABC Unified School District to highlight the funding the school district received through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III).

ESSER III was established by the American Rescue Plan to help elementary and secondary schools address disruptions to teaching and learning caused by the pandemic and get students back in the classroom safely and quickly. This event is part of Congresswoman Sánchez's efforts to meet with city councils, school boards, colleges and universities, business owners, essential workers, and other community leaders across the 38th Congressional District to discuss relief funds and ongoing efforts to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

[CLICK HERE FOR USABLE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT]

"This year away from the classroom has been tough for many kids, especially our younger students," said Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez. "As schools return to in-person learning, we must ensure they have the resources they need to not only keep teachers, students, and staff safe, but also meet their academic, social, and emotional needs in the wake of this pandemic. The American Rescue Plan, which I voted for in March, provides K-12 schools with those very tools. I am proud to be here today to highlight the $23 million ABC Unified School District has received through this relief package."

"This past year was full of challenges for our students, families, and staff," said ABC Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Mary Sieu. "The federal funds we are receiving will provide programs to support our students as they recover from last year and put the district on a strong financial footing to continue serving our students and community."

The ABC Unified School District will use the federal funds to meet students' and schools' continuing needs. The CARES/ESSER funds will support many district programs and activities, including preparing our schools for the safe return of students in the fall, assisting students impacted by learning loss, funding needed student technology and supporting students through social-emotional learning.

Congresswoman Sánchez continued: "This funding from the American Rescue Plan goes directly to help Southern California schools, teachers, administrators, students, and families. It is an historic investment that will fund crucial summer and afterschool programs, hire additional educators to address learning loss, and implement strategies that will keep everyone healthy. Our community is better off when our kids have what they need to succeed at school."

ESSER III provided $15 billion for K-12 schools across California. In addition to ABC Unified, 19 other school districts in and around California's 38th congressional district will benefit from this funding.

On Tuesday, Sánchez presented checks to the City of Norwalk, the City of Lakewood, and Cerritos College. On Wednesday, Sánchez also visited a local restaurant, Paraiso Juice Bar in La Mirada, that was able to stay afloat with the help of funds from the Paycheck Protection Program.

The following local school districts are receiving funding under the American Rescue Plan's Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund:

  • ABC Unified School District
  • Anaheim Union High School District
  • Bellflower Unified School District
  • Buena Park School District
  • Centralia Elementary School District
  • Cypress School District
  • East Whittier City School District
  • El Monte Union High School District
  • El Rancho Unified School District
  • Fullerton Joint Union High School District
  • Little Lake City School District
  • Long Beach Unified School District
  • Montebello Unified School District
  • Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District
  • Paramount Unified School District
  • South Whittier School District
  • Valle Lindo School District
  • Whittier City School District
  • Whittier Union High School District