At the Board of Aldermen meeting on September 21, The City of Kearney approved a resolution to allocate $300,000 in CARES funds to the Kearney School District. The allocation is in response to a September 14 request by the school district stating that the district has seen revenue reductions of nearly $2 million, and has incurred coronavirus related expenditures exceeding $600,000 during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

*We are One Community, and we are all in this together - Mayor Randy Pogue*

In a request to the city, Dr. Matthew Miller stated that the school district has foregone making other purchases that would support more effective instruction because of the revenue loss and increased expenditures.

Miller’s letter listed the school district’s existing needs, such as 500 iPads for Kindergarten and 1 st grade classes, 325 Chromebooks for 7th grade classes, 100 HP ProBook laptops to support teacher online instruction, PPE and cleaning supplies, school resource officer salary and benefits, and miscellaneous computer supplies like cases, webcams and software. The total request from the school district was $512,459.27.

Mayor Randy Pogue brought the resolution to the board for approval to help the school district purchase computers and related equipment necessary to conduct educational programming and maintain a safe environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pogue also cited that the current balance of $783,936.49, and reserve funding for possible revenue loss, KFD, KPD Salaries, and current city expenses, left the city with excess funds to assist the school district.

“We are One Community, and we are all in this together,” stated Mayor Pogue. “I believe it’s extremely important for us to support our School District and I recommend the Board give strong consideration to approving the enclosed proposed resolution and memorandum of understanding.”

The board unanimously approved the resolution to allocate the $300,000 in CARES Funds to the Kearney School District.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story