By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Boston, MA) Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced a $16.1 million relief fund to Special Education Residential School Providers who incurred unexpected costs related to COVID-19. Earlier in the year, special education programs were left out of a $139 million fund for residential and congregate service providers. Special Education Schools were not eligible for this early funding round due to the structure of the organizations. Baker said the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has released guidance for residential and day special education programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.