Thread by @AP

The $190 billion of pandemic relief flowing to U.S. public schools is more than four times the amount the U.S. Education Department spends on K-12 schools in a typical year. The Biden administration says it's a chance to reimagine American education. apne.ws/SVj4Two

But there are no guarantees that any sort of seismic change is possible, in large part because the government has imposed few requirements on how the aid is spent. And districts say they have urgent problems to tackle first. apne.ws/BVcCJZ0

Relying on state and federal data, the @AP tallied how much money was granted to nearly every district in the country. The median aid is nearly $2,800 per student but varies widely by district and state, with high poverty areas receiving larger shares. apne.ws/KDjmX8F

Detroit received the highest rate among big districts, at more than $25,000 per student. The district’s superintendent, Nikolai Vitti, says the funds will help address some of the needs that poverty and racial injustice have created in the city. apne.ws/EPH4xES

One of the biggest limitations for schools is the timeline. They have 3 years to spend the latest round of funding, a window districts say is short for so much money. In many areas, that means focusing on short-term projects to avoid unsustainable costs. apne.ws/8FfHYZl

But even with that limitation, Vitti hopes change is possible in Detroit. “We’re looking forward to show clear outcomes from this investment,” he said. Then they can make the case that funding like this “should be continued in an equitable way.” apne.ws/y9hKeD3