Press Releases

Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) introduced the Helping Educators with Learning Preparation (HELP) Act. This legislation would assist elementary, middle, and high school students safely and successfully transition to socially distanced and in-classroom instruction by creating a grant program to provide state and local school entities with the resources that they need going into the fall. 

“As we head into the fall, parents and educators want assurances that schools can safely reopen as children return to onsite learning. We know that even with the significant efforts of parents and teachers, many students were unable to keep up with distanced learning and were left behind, which is not an option for the 2020-21 school year. We also know that this year will necessitate new approaches to traditional education while requiring greater resources and safety measures.

“I am committed to addressing these concerns and helping to ensure a safe return to school for our children, which is why I have introduced the Helping Educators with Learning Preparation, or ‘HELP Act,’ to assist local school districts as they work to resume students’ learning,” said Rep. Hill. 

“As we begin to look at the cost of COVID-19 in the Guy-Perkins School District, it is obvious that our expenditure will shift from pencils and paper to technology and software. Compared to what we have spent in the past, the expenses in our district will almost triple. Rep. Hill’s legislation would provide much needed relief to our small school district and lift this burden," said Dr. Joe Fisher, Superintendent of the Guy-Perkins School District

“We are appreciative of Rep. Hill's efforts to support our schools in providing services to our students during this critical time.  Flexibility in learning is the norm, and it is crucial that our schools have access to innovative strategies to provide onsite and virtual teaching and learning opportunities for our students. JNPSD will work with Rep Hill in any way we can to support his efforts,” said Dr. Bryan Duffie, Superintendent of the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District.

“This bill is exactly the kind of help that we need as we navigate the complicated realities of bringing our students and teachers back to school this fall. Additional funding, and the discretion to adapt it specifically to our schools’ needs, will go a long way in making sure that we can safely and effectively serve our educational community. Thank you, Rep. Hill, for paying attention to our great need," said Dr. Michele Linch, Executive Director of the Arkansas State Teachers Association.

“Our schools are critically important to our children and families. Providing assistance which can be tailored to the needs of each school community will support the educational success, health and well-being of children, families, educators and communities. Thank you, Rep. Hill, for introducing Federal investments in our schools which value equity for our students and innovation in the educational process,” said Melinda Kinnison, President of Arkansas PTA.

Background: 

The full text of the of the HELP Act can be found HERE.

An average of $200 billion is unobligated and unexpended by the federal government at the end of each fiscal year. From this amount, the Helping Educators with Learning Preparations Act (HELP) Act authorizes $25 billion, paid for through unspent fiscal year 2020 funds, to establish a grant program for state and local scholastic entities to provide resources related to reopening in the 2020-21 school year with an emphasis on ensuring distance learning readiness and protecting health and safety, and gives broad discretion to school administrators on use of funds to allow for efficacy and innovation.

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