Alex Gault is reporting for Johnson Newspaper Corp. Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand February 2, unveiled the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2021 — legislation that would commit $130 billion in federal funding to public schools nationwide, to allow them to adapt ventilation systems and make other needed building improvements. The New York Democrat described how, even before the pandemic, public school buildings were outdated and potentially hazardous after years of uninspired investment. Gillibrand referenced a 2016 report from The Center for Green Schools, which found that national spending on school facilities was approximately 32 percent less than what was required to maintain modern standards, or $46 billion in underspending. Gillibrand said it is more important than ever that public-school facilities see investment and renovation. The funding provided under the act would not be focused just on coronavirus-related projects, but would allow districts to make a wide variety of facility upgrades. The money would also be used to upgrade broadband infrastructure, address mold or water quality concerns, or purchase new learning equipment, but not used for sports facilities or anything unrelated to improving education for students. “Not new football fields, but yes, computers,” the senator said. Gillibrand said she hopes to roll the bill in with the next round of coronavirus aid legislation currently under negotiation. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.