MPS to spend part of COVID relief funds on staff, busing, and literacy

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) will spend part of its new COVID relief funding on staff, busing, and literacy. 

The district board approved a $9.6 million plan. 

It's part of Gov. Tony Evers' decision to give millions to K-12 schools around the state. 

The district plans to spend $3.4 million on bonuses to help retain staff. 

Nearly $2 million is set aside to provide incentives for school bus contractors. 

The district is also hiring new math, literacy, and education teachers to help in underperforming schools. 

"Some of the things that they'll do... they'll provide professional development. So that means the teachers can be brought out for some one-on-one support," said Milwaukee Public Schools Chief Academic Officer Jennifer Mims-Howell. "We need to make sure we're supporting at all grade levels."

MPS does plan to invest in improving nutrition services and food menu options. 

The district has also received $770 million in federal COVID relief money.