Congressman Bob Etheridge met with Chatham County and school officials to discuss the money that the state will receive from the federal stimulus package.

County officials listed a number of projects that the money could be used for including construction of Briar Chapel Middle School and renovation of Northwood High School.

"My main concern is safety and upgrade of the buildings and that our kids are well educated. Not just mine but all kids," parent Angela Cotton said.

The Department of Public Instruction will allocate the amount of money each county will receive but it is up to the discretion of the local government where the funds go.

Although school and county officials are eager to get the money, they do have concerns. In the past, federal funds could not be used for projects already underway but they hope things will change with this stimulus package.

"We need to have flexibility with this money so we can maintain teaching positions, supply equipment to schools and maintain programs that are in jeopardy of being cut due to lack of funding," Chatham County Superintendent Robert Logan said.

Congressman Etheridge said their goal is to get the funds to the 115 school districts across the state within the next month.

"We will get new, modern, 21st Century classroom for students to learn," Etheridge said. "And when we come out of this recession, we will be stronger because we will have classrooms educating our children and getting them ready for the workforce."

For a list of projects the Chatham County projects click here.