Southwest Montana News

Governor Greg Gianforte and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) have announced the distribution of $2.7 million in federal funds to public and private schools across the state. This funding, aimed at supporting schools during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, was allocated this fall.

"We prioritized getting this funding out the door as quickly as possible to ensure staff and students were safe at schools this fall," stated Governor Gianforte. "Since we first began distributing funding for rapid testing in the late summer, DPHHS has distributed $2.7 million to help minimize the spread of COVID in schools."

The initiative is part of a federal school reopening program that aims to provide resources for a successful screening testing program. This includes testing students and staff to identify potential COVID-19 cases, prevent outbreaks, and keep schools open. The program also covers expenses related to prevention and detection within school settings.

Funding has been awarded to 75 public and private school districts, encompassing 223 schools with over 78,000 enrolled students.

"Testing offers an additional layer of prevention, helping schools to provide in-person learning for their students with confidence," said DPHHS Director Adam Meier.

The program utilizes BinaxNOW rapid antigen tests for routine screening/testing of staff and select student groups to detect asymptomatic cases. Symptomatic testing is also available for those who develop symptoms during the school day. The program supports other allowable expenses such as temporary staffing, personal protective equipment, hygiene supplies, and more.

All Montana K-12 public school districts and private schools are eligible for this funding. Schools can apply online to receive up to $45,000; so far, the average award per school is $36,394. Additional support will be available throughout the 2021-2022 school year.

Schools are encouraged to design unique testing programs suited to their local needs. Regardless of participation in the broader program, any K-12 school can obtain COVID-19 BinaxNOW test kits for use in their screening efforts.

"Test kits can be ordered free of charge directly from DPHHS," added Meier. He noted that while a medical professional or nurse is preferable for conducting tests, any trained staff member can perform them.

For further information on ordering test kits or accessing application details for funding opportunities, interested parties are directed to contact Dana Fejes or visit dphhs.mt.gov/schoolhealth/ELCschoolreopening.