September 24, 2020—The City of Mound and the City of Orono both recently passed resolutions authorizing the reallocation of local Coronavirus Relief Funds to the Westonka School District. On Sept. 14, the City of Orono allocated $105,584 in CARES Act funds to Westonka Schools, and on Sept. 22 the City of Mound approved $500,000 in additional funds to support the district.

Funds provided by the cities will help the Westonka School District offset a projected $1.2 million in expenditures directly tied to efforts to provide a safe and successful education this fall. In particular, the district is now able to cover personal protective equipment (PPE) and added technology, and meet the increased demands for substitute teachers with the additional resources. The City of Orono also provided CARES Act dollars to the Orono School District for pandemic-related expenses.

Federal CARES Act dollars not used by cities would otherwise be returned to the county. Superintendent Kevin Borg expressed gratitude for the partnership with the cities of Mound and Orono to keep the funds local and keep the community’s youth on a positive trajectory toward preparing them for the future.

"More than the dollar amounts, it’s the spirit in which these cities worked with the school district to keep these funds in the community that I am most thankful for," said Borg. "It was a goodwill gesture, and I am incredibly grateful for the extraordinary support shown by Mound Mayor Ray Salazar, Orono Mayor Dennis Walsh and the Mound and Orono city councils during what truly are extraordinary times."