The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, State Fiscal Stabilization Fund (SFSF) is for the purpose of restoring education funding for the support of elementary, secondary and post-secondary education, as applicable, early childhood education programs and services and to improve student achievement. School districts and charter schools awarded funds are to target one or more of the following critical reform areas: increase efforts to institute rigorous post-secondary standards and high quality (valid, reliable) assessments, enhance pre-kindergarten to post-secondary data systems that track progress and foster continuous improvement, continue to improve teacher effectiveness and support the equitable distribution of qualified teachers across the state; and expand the state’s support and effective interventions for the lowest performing schools.

SFSF funds may be used for any activity authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA), or Perkins Act, subject to limited prohibitions in the ARRA and the specific requirements of the relevant act. Funds may also be used for school modernization, renovation, and repairs. Refer to the program guidelines for SFSF funds for additional information on allowable uses of funds. For additional flexibility, USDE guidance provides that SFSF funds may be used as allowed under ESEA Title VIII - Impact Aid for general expenses such as salaries and equipment and that such use is not limited to LEAs that receive Impact Aid funds.

RFISD plans to use the SFSF funds for the following:
Utility payments - $233,073.00
Classroom computers - $150,665.00
Early Childhood Center lease payment - $303,349.00
Total - $687,087.00

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) was signed into law on February 17, 2009. The purpose of the Recovery Act is to create and save jobs, jumpstart our economy, and build the foundation for long-term economic growth. $4 billion was allocated, under ARRA, for the Public Housing Capital Fund Program in order to create and save jobs, modernize public housing and invest in communities through sustainable affordable housing while stimulating the economy.

RFISD received approximately $297 thousand ARRA funding for capital improvements. The list of improvements consist of the following:

High school cafeteria fire suppression system - $8,000.00
HS/MS sidewalk and handicap ramp repairs - $100,000.00
HS parking lot lights - $30,000.00
Security cameras - $10,000.00
Pavilion enclosure at elementary school - $100,000.00
Seal coat HS parking lot - $49,000.00
Total - $297,000.00

Additional information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act can be found at the following website: Recovery.gov