In 2022, $51,000 was allotted to Mark Keppel High School (MKHS) to support academic achievement in light of the loss of learning that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. The money must be spent by fall of 2024, and requests to use this money will be received throughout the year. The funds will be used for various emotional and social health programs, such as PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports), to create an encouraging, safe school climate by rewarding positive behaviors and providing an alternative to reactionary discipline. In addition, funds will be used to support English learning proficiency programs and purchase educational materials in hopes of addressing the achievement gap, as well as increasing the graduation rate. 

Regarding school use of the funds, Mr. Nguyen, the coordinator of the Business and Activities Office, indicated that the administration, teachers, and librarian will meet up for an instructional council meeting. There, they will address the various requests that teachers have submitted to their department chair. Once the request is approved, it will be sent to the district board who will hold a meeting to make the final decision.

So, how did MKHS receive funds to cover the loss of learning? On March 5, 2021, California governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 86 into legislation to provide $6,557,443,000 in funding towards California schools. This funding includes money to aid with the loss of learning and reopening schools. After four rounds of successful votes from the California State Assembly and the California State Senate, it was signed into law by Newsom and implemented on March 15, 2021.