Rutherford County legislators announced more than $56.4 million has been approved for the county’s schools through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), a federally funded stimulus program created through the CARES Act.

The money is part of $3.7 billion in federal funding from three coronavirus relief packages approved by Congress since last summer. The money must be applied to Covid-19 related expenses for preventing, preparing for and responding to student needs created by the pandemic.

State Representatives Tim Rudd, Charlie Baum, Bryan Terry, all of Murfreesboro, Mike Sparks of Smyrna, and State Senators Dawn White and Shane Reeves, both of Murfreesboro, issued the statement below: “The pandemic has presented many challenges for our schools in Rutherford County. These funds will provide important resources that will help our students get back on track with their educational journey, and also serve to keep our teachers, students, and staff safe.”

Schools in Rutherford County have been approved to receive the following one-time funds:

 Murfreesboro City Elementary School District - $ 12,671,280.46
 Rutherford County School District - $ 43,774,580.29

These schools were previously awarded $30.8 million through ESSER during President Donald Trump’s administration.