Federal Stimulus Funds Going to Work at Mahar

Just this February, President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) into law. This economic recovery package was created with the intent of turning the crises created by our recent fiscal situation into opportunities for many American citizens. Students who are educated under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are benefactors of this legislation, and this equates to another innovative program in the Ralph C. Mahar Middle School.

Under the ARRA, the Federal Government allocated $107,600.00 for the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District. Our district was able to apply for these funds with an application that abided by the conditions set forth in a memo from Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner, Mitchell Chester. One of the main provisions of the proposal was that it must create jobs while improving educational outcomes for students who require Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

We have done much at Mahar over the last two years to create alternative learning situations for some of our high school students. The programs that we created resulted in a lower drop out rate and increased savings. High school students who were educated outside of our district in alternative learning environments now have an in-district opportunity. Building upon this model, our ARRA application provided for the creation of a Middle School Alternative Classroom here at Mahar.

This proposal was accepted by the State Department of Education in full. Our administration has worked through the summer to create an educational environment for middle school students who are challenged emotionally, or who have developed ineffective responses to stressful situations. These responses have resulted in missed learning opportunities over time, and in some cases have called upon costly private educational placements.

As for the creation of jobs and stimulating economic growth at the local level, it appears as though ARRA will live up to its expectation. This grant has resulted in the hiring of a new full-time teacher, a new full-time paraprofessional, and all of the textbooks, educational supplies, and materials for this new program to exist. Some of the funding has been set aside for these middle school students to attend field trips, and there is even funding for much needed professional development in this area. We are so grateful to be able to provide this new and innovative program for our students this year.

Thank-you ARRA!