City of Stonecrest presents $1.2M to DCSD to provide free ‘wraparound services, essentials to 12 schools

STONECREST, GA—The 12 public schools located within the city limits will receive additional resources to help students excel and thrive, thanks to the city’s allocation of $1.2 million to the DeKalb County School District (DCSD).

The city is utilizing funds received through the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) to assist the schools. The federal legislation, signed into law on March 11, 2021, established the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (“SLFRF”) program, designed to support communities grappling with the pandemic’s aftermath.

The funds will provide wraparound services and the option to purchase specific items aimed at helping students in need. These free wraparound services include creating Zen Den/Mindfulness Rooms for students and providing essential items such as clear book bags, composition notebooks, pens, hygiene products and other essentials to address the needs of high-poverty schools within the City.

The Stonecrest City Council approved the allocation a few weeks ago. This week, Mayor Jazzmin Cobble, along with City Council members, presented the $1.2 million check to DeKalb County Schools Superintendent Devon Horton and the schools’ principals.

“Caring for our community’s future is a shared responsibility, and through the American Rescue Plan Act, we are taking decisive steps to ensure that our students have the support and resources they need to thrive. Every child’s well-being is our priority, and together, we will create a brighter tomorrow,” said Mayor Cobble.

To ensure accountability and transparency, the DeKalb County School District will manage the funds, adhering to generally accepted accounting principles. Any funds not utilized for the specified purposes will be returned to the City. ARPA funds must be expended in accordance with the program guidelines and regulations, with obligations made by Dec. 31, 2024, and expenditures completed by Dec. 31, 2026. The school district will provide regular reports and documentation to the City for monitoring and auditing purposes.