COVID-19 funds for school supplies have ended

Socorro Consolidated School Superintendent Joyce Gormley sent a letter to parents explaining the end of federal funding that helped the school supply students with school supplies.

“We are writing to inform you about a change regarding school supplies for the upcoming academic year. In previous years, Socorro Consolidated Schools utilized temporary federal COVID-19 relief funds to purchase school supplies for every student in our district. These funds were instrumental in supporting our families during a challenging time.” Gormley wrote.

Gormley said the funding was before her time, but was informed that prior to receiving COVID funding, parents would purchase supplies, and there were also school supply drives similar to the one the Sheriff’s Department is currently hosting.

“I also learned that with COVID funds, the district was able to give each school site money specifically for school supplies so families did not have to provide them. I believe this took place at least the last two years,” Gormley said.

Despite the situation, she said they are committed to making sure no student goes without supplies and they are exploring various ways to support families and classrooms during the transition.

“As you know we had a significant cut in Federal Funds and thought we might have to tap into our cash reserve to make our budget. Since the board meeting when we presented our budget, we have been taking another look to find ways to reduce our expenses without reducing the service we provide to students including looking at our staffing needs and looking for additional funding options.” Gormley said.

She said the four-year-old PreK program funding was reduced to one classroom from two due to over saturation in the area, and she was able to secure funding for their three-year-old program, which had previously been funded out of the operational budget.

“This will provide an increase of 138,000 a year for the next four years. We have also applied for a couple of new grants (attendance, high dosage tutoring and a grant to help pay for security camera replacement and door access) that, if awarded, will allow us to move some anticipated expenses to these grants.” Gormley said. “With these savings, we are hoping to not have to go into our cash reserve and also have some funds to increase supply money to schools if needed to make up for any lack of supplies for students and classrooms.”

She said she understands how expensive school supplies can be, especially for families with multiple children, and encouraged families to reach out to their principal or teacher if they have any concerns about school supplies.

“If a student doesn’t come with the entire list or any at all we will make sure they have what they need and if a teacher runs out we will use district funds to supplement,” Gormley said.

Socorro students will start school on Thursday July 31 and Friday August 1.

School Supply Drive

The Sheriff’s Office will be collecting school supplies and cash donations in front of Walmart: July 3 to July 24 on Tuesdays and Thursdays 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Other drop off locations include Sofia’s Kitchen, New Mexico Tech Post Office, The Sheriff’s Office and El Defensor Chieftain.