Congressman Jimmy Panetta announced last week that five San Benito County schools have been awarded more than one million dollars in federal grants for the upcoming school year.
Schools include the Aromas-San Juan Unified School District, the Hollister Elementary School District, the North County Joint Union Elementary School District, the San Benito High School District and the Southside Elementary School District.
The special funding is for schools with a high population of students from low-income families.
“As a board member of the Hollister School District, I very much appreciate any efforts Congressman Panetta took upon himself to get the $928,521.00 in Title I funds for our schools,” Hollister School District Board of Trustee Member Rob Bernosky said. “Title I monies are block grant funds that help our most needy and vulnerable students. The funds are used for programs to address the unique needs of educating kids in low income families in our community. Schools identify specific goals to be achieved for the students and where the funds will be spent.”
“Title I funds are the backstop to ensure all students receive an equitable education across our Central Coast schools,” Panetta said in a press release. “I am proud to represent a diverse region that values investments in our children to foster their future success.”
The five San Benito County schools received a combined $1.6 million. Aromas-San Juan Unified School District received $152,391. Hollister Elementary School District received $928,521. North County Joint Union Elementary School District received $62,223. San Benito High School District received $506,219. Southside Elementary School District received $16,654.
Additionally, 20 schools in Monterey County and five schools in Santa Cruz County received Title 1 funding. All three Central Coast counties received a total of $28,935,678.61.
