The vast majority of school district officials across the state plan to use federal pandemic relief money to help them focus on the effect learning loss and interrupted classroom instruction has had on students, according to an analysis released Wednesday by the New York State School Boards Association. 

The data come as schools hope the new academic year for students will bring a return to a semblance of normalcy for students and teachers as COVID-19 guidances are eased by public health officials. 

The School Boards Association found 77% of districts will use their federal aid to bolster learning, and much of the focus will be placed on poorer students, kids with disabilities, English language learners and homeless students. About 72% of districts also plan to for summer, after-school and extended learning and enrichment programs. 

"School districts are still finding their footing after two-and-a-half years of the pandemic," said Executive Director Robert Schneider. "The federal funding that schools have received from the American Rescue Plan and the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Plan along with state foundation aid funding, will go a long way toward addressing many of the unintended consequences brought on by school closures and remote learning."

The survey of districts also found smaller, but significant numbers of officials are also using federal aid to help pay for in-person instruction, new education-related technology and increasing in-person instructional time. 

Schools have faced a variety of challenges since the onset of the pandemic, becoming a focal point for battles over indoor mask wearing and struggling with remote learning. 

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced this week COVID-related guidelines such as requiring whole classes to quarantine after an exposure or having test-to-stay rules will be relaxed. Students who are experiencing COVID symptoms will still be tested.