Stimulus Money and North Dakota`s Education on KMOT-TV North Dakota's NBC News Leader

Stimulus Money and North Dakota`s Education | Video

Ashli Kimenker

11/12/2009

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction is set to receive almost 152 million dollars from the Federal Government. If our state`s economy was like most, that money would be used to sustain our educational system. But since it`s not, we`re able to grow.

The Federal Government`s help, helped Shannon Schroeder.

Shannon Schroeder: "I`m really grateful, you know. I get to do what I love doing and be with the kids."

This is Shannon`s first year as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher for Bismarck Public Schools. It`s a position created with federal stimulus money.

Schroeder: "We`ve really seen the numbers jump in the kids that are qualifying for special education, so those teachers are needed in the field. There needs to be more of us."

Creating jobs was one of the perks for the education system in North Dakota. Most states had to use their money to break even.

Dr. Wayne Sanstead, North Dakota State Superintendent: "In many states that means they are not laying off teachers or program staff because of their economy but in North Dakota`s case it`s clearly an add on and help and from that perspective we`re the gainers."

North Dakota has received just under 152 million dollars from the Stimulus Package. Funds to help stabilize the district`s budgets, received the most at 85 million dollars. Districts are using most of that money to increase teacher salaries. But also for existing problems.

Sanstead: "We knew full well the districts has a lot of pent up building and renovation efforts but they just couldn`t get to them on their own dollars and this would give them the benefit of an opportunity to address what needed doing in their own districts."

Each district receives the Fiscal Stabilization funds based per pupil. They apply for the rest, through the state. The state then allocates the money, where it`s needed, with student services as a top priority.

Sanstead: "It should make such a difference in the fact that we think the students are going to be the ultimate beneficiary of the whole effort."

The whole effort nationwide, but more so in North Dakota.

Schroeder: "It`s good for our state bit in a sense it`s sort of scary that, you know, things aren`t as fortunate in other states, but I`m happy to be here and be part of that."

Almost 200 educational jobs have been created so far in the state.

To track all of the federal stimulus money, and see where it is being used, log onto www.recovery.gov

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