Coldwater schools using ESSER funding to upgrade bus fleet and classroom technology – Coldwater Daily Reporter
Things are different at school board meetings these days. COVID relief funding is allowing for districts to spend money more freely as long as it stays within the government’s guidelines.
Coldwater Community Schools will be purchasing new buses through ESSER funds — Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief — and upgrading classroom technology.
At Monday’s meeting, the board of education approved the purchase of seven new 77-passenger general education buses for $98,971 each, from Midwest Transit. The cost will be covered by ESSER II funding.
The district is also buying three new 66-passenger special education buses at $102,633 each, but it will come from the district’s general fund.
The 2022 models will replace buses that are 9-16 years old and have more than 200,000 miles on the odometer, said Terry Whelan, superintendent.
The purchase of new classroom technology is coming from ESSER III money — 406 desktop computers, 138 document cameras and 135 projectors for a total of $503,361.
The new Lakeland Elementary building is fully equipped with the latest technology, Whelan said. This purchase will bring the other buildings up to the same level.
