Local districts to receive $235,000 from education jobs bill

Local school districts learned this week they will receive just over $235,000 from the federal education jobs bill.

The Mattituck-Cutchogue School District will receive the largest sum of any Southold district with more than $80,000 coming its way. The Greenport School District will receive just under $73,000, Southold will be awarded $59,000 and Oysterponds will get just under $25,000.

New York’s total share of the
federal funds is almost $608 million. The money is intended to create or
maintain 8,200 jobs across the U.S. The money will be distributed using
the state aid formula and is expected to start flowing next month.

The
funds can be spent on compensation including bonuses, pay raises,
in-service days, pensions, student loan repayment assistance,
transportation subsidies and childcare expenses.

Districts have until September 2012 to use up the entire fund.

— SAMANTHA BRIX