The proposed “Safe and Open Schools” plan would overhaul a $2 billion proposal from Gov. Gavin Newsom that was widely criticized by school superintendents, unions and lawmakers.

The Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with the Department of Defense will use the money to expand testing opportunities for K-8 schools and underserved congregate settings, such as homeless shelters, according to the Biden administration.

Michelle Reid of the Northshore School District, and one of the first K-12 leaders to grapple with COVID, is AASA's National Superintendent of the Year.

COVID learning loss will further tax teachers, particularly in under-resourced districts, who faced challenges in supporting all learners adequately pre-pandemic.