CHICO, Calif. - The state of California recently announced a $2 billion plan to help schools reopen in-person instruction by the spring.

The assistant superintendent told Action News Now that the district will receive roughly $5.5 million that will impact around 12,000 students.

This one-time grant will include testing for teachers and students every two weeks, PPE, and classroom ventilation.

We spoke with the assistant superintendent, Kevin Bultema, and Chico High School teacher, Jordan Mathews, about what this will mean for students and teachers.

Bultema said, “Obviously, very challenging times and being online just isn’t ideal and so any amount of money that we can use to try and help mandate that impact on teachers and students and families is welcome.”

Mathews added, “Bottom line, kids are still kids. They like to show up to school and enjoy themselves and we like to show up to school and work with kids. They are hurting and we are hurting too. So, I think we are all looking forward to the day when we can look back on this period of time instead of living in it.”

The district hopes to also use this money for enhancing the classroom experience where learning can be improved, like tutoring and more interaction between teachers and students.

Gov. Gavin Newsom called for a phased approach regarding this plan.

It will focus first on students in kindergarten through second grade, children with disabilities, those who have limited access to technology, and students who have been struggling with being out of the classroom.

Other grades will be phased in during the spring.

This plan will also allow students who have health vulnerabilities or feel uncomfortable coming back into the classroom to continue remote learning.