WASHINGTON (March 11, 2009)—McLennan County school districts will share more than $17.5 million in funds from the massive federal stimulus measure President Barack Obama signed on Feb. 17, Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, said Wednesday.

The Waco ISD, which is the county’s largest district, gets the biggest share of the money at more than $10 million.

The funds will be distributed to the districts through Title I and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, funding formulas that are already in place, Edwards said.

Title I funds may be used for such things as hiring new teachers, upgrading equipment and providing tutoring for struggling students.

IDEA funds may be used for programs and services that help children with disabilities receive full educations, Edwards said.

The state’s school districts automatically receive about half of the total funds allocated from the stimulus and the Texas Education Agency must request the remaining funds after the initial funds are distributed.

Districts could also get stimulus funds for school construction, Edwards said.

“By providing much needed education funding that allows local school districts flexibility to meet their highest potential, this stimulus funding can help our children, our schools and our economy,” Edwards said.