Washington
(June 25, 2021) – Massachusetts Senators Edward J. Markey (D) and Elizabeth
Warren (D) and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following
statement regarding federal funding for Boston Public Schools under the
Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund.
“Our students, educators, and
communities have endured an incredibly difficult year. It was the intent of
Congress when it authorized ESSER that these federal dollars would be released
as efficiently as possible to support our school districts’ efforts to reopen,
rebuild, and support the mental health and social-emotional wellbeing of our
students. We believe it is essential that Boston, and all school districts in
the Commonwealth, seek community input to ensure these funds are used to build
a more just, equitable, and resilient education system.
“We fully expect Commissioner Riley
to act consistent with Congressional intent and allow this funding to be
distributed to Boston Public Schools without delay.”