Walters Announces Availability of ARP Funds to Assist Storm-Affected Areas

Oklahoma City, Okla – State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced the availability of unused ARP (American Rescue Plan) funds for school districts affected by recent severe weather in Oklahoma. Local Education Agencies (LEAs) will be allocated $25,000 and will be eligible for additional $25,000 increments after funds are exhausted.

“I will do everything possible to use our agency to help our schools and communities who have been impacted by storms in our state,” said Walters. “I am pleased to announce the availability of these funds to be directed toward specific needs in distressed communities. OSDE is working closely with affected districts to expedite the funding process to get help on the ground as quickly as possible.”

Initial LEAs that will have access to these funds include Ardmore, Cordell, Drumright, Holdenville, Marietta, Morris, Plainview, Springer, and Sulphur. Those districts have been contacted by OSDE to help them through the approval process and to understand which expenditures are allowable under the grant rules.

The eligibility list will be expanded as a result of more severe storms that have hit the state this week.