In response to congressional passage of the American Rescue Plan, Anna Maria Chávez, Executive Director and CEO of the National School Boards Association (NSBA), made the following statement.

“COVID-19 has been a tsunami-sized challenge for our nation. It has widened achievement and opportunity gaps as students facing the greatest challenges have been left behind. It has spotlighted a remote learning gap for the millions of students who lack internet access in their homes.

“When a tsunami finally recedes, that’s when you see the real destruction. In our case, we won’t be confronted with destroyed buildings and landscapes. We’ll be confronted with learning loss, trauma, socio-emotional needs, and lives forever changed.

“The American Rescue Plan will provide much needed support and resources to help the nation’s schools and students get through the COVID tsunami and begin addressing the damage left in its wake.

“In my conversations with U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and his excellent team, I’ve communicated that the National School Boards Association is committed to working with him and U.S. Department of Education staff to ensure that these funds make their way to states and school districts as soon as possible.”