Clayton schools to get $25M in federal aid

The cash-strapped Clayton County school system will get $25 million in federal stimulus money over the next two years, U.S. Rep. David Scott announced.

The money will help offset the loss in state aid, board chairwoman Alieka Anderson said Friday. The district is slated to lose $23 million in state aid this year because of a drop in enrollment following the accreditation loss.

About $16.5 million of the federal aid must be used for construction, according to Michael Andel, Scott’s chief of staff.

About $7.2 million must go to programs that help low-income students. About 77 percent of Clayton’s students qualify for free or reduced meals, according to the state Department of Education.

The remaining funds will be spent on programs for special needs children, Andel said.