Geary USD 475 has received $8.1 million in what is called “Heavily Impacted” federal aid.

The Acting Superintendent of Schools Dr. Beth Hudson said it’s different from the impact aid money that is shared with the State. “The Heavily Impacted” aid, very few school districts qualify for that, and it was an $8.1 million award.”

For two consecutive years a district must meet and qualify certain criteria including:

–40 percent student impact ( militarily )

–District patrons must be taxed at 95 percent of the State average

–and per pupil expenditures must be less than the average per pupil across the state.

Hudson noted District officials have not yet discussed how they will use the money, but the funds are in the bank.

On the expenditure of the funds Hudson stated. “As I understand it, it’s what we feel like best meets our needs in the District. That’s how we understand it”

The Acting Superintendent confirmed USD 475 has never received this type of funding before, and very few districts across the country qualify for it.  Hudson credited the District’s Executive Coordinator of Finance, Janet Christian, for work in the effort to secure the funding for the school district.