Franklin County has earmarked north of $2 million in federal funds to upgrade the air quality in its schools. The money, part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will go toward capital needs specifically for upgrading HVAC systems in Franklin County Schools (FCS), which, according to county officials, represents a significant portion of the district's capital improvements wishlist.
This financial allocation was given the green light by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, solidifying the board's commitment to enhancing the school environment. Board of Commissioner Chairman David Bunn echoed the sentiment, stating, "I think this is a great way for Franklin County to help Franklin County Schools with its capital needs." Indeed, the decision to allocate the remaining $2,564,623 of ARPA funds to FCS delineates a conscious investment in the health and efficiency of school infrastructure.
The newfound availability of these ARPA funds owes thanks to a shift in state legislation, altering the fiscal landscape for technology advancements in the area. Originally earmarked for a $2 million match by Franklin County for the NC Department of Information Technology's Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program, the requirement changed when state and federal funds began covering the program. This left the ARPA funds up for grabs, constrained nonetheless by the strict usage guidelines of the federal plan, which dictates that surplus funds must be invested judiciously or returned.
As school administrators and teachers know too well, the state of a school's facilities, especially something as foundational as its HVAC system, contributes greatly to the learning environment and the comfort and health of students and staff alike. Therefore, the decision by the Commissioners to redirect these funds shores up a critical aspect of education that often goes unnoticed until it is in disarray. "Utilizing these remaining funds will help our schools with their upcoming projects," Bunn touted in the statement obtained by Franklin County News.
