Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1458924
ICONS AND PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO A C R O S S W Y O M I N G , H E R E A R E A F E W E X A M P L E S O F H O W A R P M O N E Y I S H E L P I N G S T U D E N T S A N D E D U C A T O R S These locals worked collaboratively with their districts to ensure that educator voice is helping to maximize the benefit of ARP funds for students and education employees. "Because we all have different things going on in our work for our students." Andrews offers this advice to educators who want to have a voice in key decisions: Start building a collabora- tive relationship with management in whatever work is underway, then work to formalize educator participa- tion. Bring in outside facilitators, if needed. And local leaders must stay in communication with members. "If you're a leader, surround yourself with people working toward the goal, and be sure to ask for feedback," Andrews suggests. "en, as you achieve small successes, get the word out. You'll have momentum and better buy- in moving forward." More funding is coming to your school Two earlier relief packages included some funds for schools. But after hearing from millions of public school advocates, Congress passed President Biden's American Rescue Plan (ARP) in March. Educators and parents sent thousands of letters and made thousands of calls through NEA, resulting in $170 billion for education—the greatest single investment in America's public schools ever. Of those funds, $122.8 billion are earmarked for K–12 education. e money has started rolling out in some states, while others like Wyoming have only received funds from the first two waves so far. As much as the Natrona County schools have accom- plished, there is still more that could be done. Maki says that long before the pandemic, she wished every middle school could have two full-time counselors. Some mornings there are students waiting for her when she arrives. "And there are days I can't get to everybody, and five kids have to go home, and I haven't had a chance to check in with them," she says. "We may not realize right away that we're making a differ- ence until the kids come back, even a week or two later, and say, 'Thanks for listening,'" Maki says. "They know we're those dependable people who are here for them." Educators in communities like Casper, Wyo., (above) are advocating for how rescue funds will be used in their schools. UINTA COUNTY • Funds allocated to support and stabilize the existing workforce and attract new staff • Stipends provided to staff ALBANY COUNTY • $600,000 allocated toward learning intervention supplies district-wide as well as an intervention curriculum library 11