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AASA Survey Shows How Schools Are Using Stimulus Funds

Aug. 26, 2009—The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) conducted a survey during July and August, 2009, of 160 school administrators in 37 states with 63% located in rural areas, using a 16-question survey, entitled "Schools and the Stimulus: How America's Public School Districts Are Using ARRA Funds."

AASA claims that much of the ARRA monies for schools are going to plug the holes in state, district, and school budgets, but there is a lack of flexibility in uses of ARRA funds. Hence the dollars cannot be put to optimal use in many places.

Of AASA Survey respondents, 79% have already received ARRA ESEA Title I, and 94% have received IDEA Special Education funds or expected the monies very soon. Of the respondents, 68% had received State Fiscal Stabilization dollars, and 6% had received Qualified Zone Academy Bonds/Tax Credit Bonds or expected them to arrive very soon.

When asked how they were using ARRA Title I funds, AASA survey respondents reported as follows:

1. 63% - Professional Development
2. 58% - Saving Existing Personnel Positions
3. 53% - Classroom Technology
4. 38% - Classroom Equipment/Supplies
5. 35% - Software

Respondent reports of uses of ARRA IDEA monies are:

1. 68% - Professional Development
2. 61% - Saving Existing Personnel Positions
3. 54% - Classroom Technology
4. 41% - Classroom Equipment/Supplies
5. 37% - Software

AASA survey respondents are spending their Federal State Fiscal Stabilization ARRA funds in similar areas.

1. 52% - Saving Personnel Positions
2. 28% - Professional Development
3. 23% - Classroom Technology
4. 17% - Classroom Equipment/Supplies
5. 12% - School Modernization/Repair
6. 10%- Software, Machines (computers, faxes, printers, copiers, etc.) and textbooks

The AASA members surveyed also reported that use of ARRA funds for innovation and reform was limited.

"Schools and the Stimulus: How America's Public School Districts Are Using ARRA Funds"
AASA

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