This is the second of three back to school stories for the Jamestown Public School District

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Back to school for the Jamestown Public School District is set for Thursday, August 19th.

While the pandemic was challenging for the local school district, Superintendent Dr. Rob Lech says it’s also provided them with some “generational” funding through ESSER, or the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund.

The Jamestown Public School District will be receiving nearly $7.3 million through 2024 to be spent on projects to help the schools reopen safely and sustain safe operations amid the pandemic.

Dr. Lech says they’ve targeted some additional mental health needs that they will be able to implement for the year.

He says they’ll look to bring mental health therapy services 3 days per week with 1 day at each level. He pointed out that they’re also looking to continue that service into the summer months too for students.

The short-term benefits include enhanced summer school and supporting some staff shortages.

In the long-term, Dr. Lech says they’re investing some money into the career and technology department to enhance themselves in that area.

Long-term funding will also include using about 70% of the ESSER funding for facility projects that are heavily weighted. These include HVAC projects and other major facility needs.

“It doesn’t address all of our issues, but it certainly helps us to clip the peak,” Dr. Lech stated.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Dr. Rob Lech below: