Mansfield ISD will be able to reach more students through technology and high-speed internet access thanks to an agreement with the City of Mansfield and a new state initiative.

MISD and the city entered into an agreement to take advantage of the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which provided financial aid to Tarrant County to reduce the impact of necessary expenditures incurred due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The City of Mansfield will give its $500,000 aid to the school district to go toward the purchase of technology and high-speed internet access, a move that will better assist students who lack connectivity at home.

Since the funds also qualify under the state’s Operation Connectivity initiative, the Texas Education Agency will match the city’s amount, bringing the total to $1 million to enhance distance learning.

“Mansfield ISD has a great relationship with the City of Mansfield, and we are so grateful that they were willing to give their aid relief funding to the district,” said Michele Trongaard, associate superintendent of business and finance. “We live in a community that puts students first, and I’m proud of the work being done to ensure all of our students stay connected in these unprecedented times.”

The agreement was approved by the school board at the Sept. 22 regular board meeting. The technology will be purchased in the coming weeks.