By Dale Wetzel

BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler says federal aid is available for North Dakota’s schools to help them handle the costs of fighting the COVID-19 virus.

It’s called the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund. It was included in a huge spending bill that was recently approved by Congress. Baesler says schools will have broad discretion in using the money.

The Department of Public Instruction is taking grant applications from school districts. More than $33 million dollars is available.

Baesler is hoping a share of the money will be used to prepare teachers to return to their classrooms.

North Dakota’s school buildings have been closed to students since March 16th.