ESSER
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Department of Education has released three grants for which local education agencies (K-12) can apply. These ESSER grants will provide school districts with emergency relief funds to address the impact COVID-19 has had on elementary and secondary schools.
ESSER I, ESSER II, and ESSER III
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Department of Education has released three grants for which local education agencies can apply. These grants, known as ESSER I, ESSER II, and ESSER III, were authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act); the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA); and the American Rescue Plan (ARP).
|
CARES ACT: ESSER I |
CRSA: ESSERII |
ARP: ESSER III |
|
| Start Date |
March 13, 2020 |
March 13, 2020 |
March 13, 2020 |
| End Date |
September 30, 2022 |
September 30, 2023 |
September 30, 2024 |
| District 71 Allocation | $139,551 | $470,584 | $1,057,036 |
Allowable Uses:
- Coordinate emergency funding
- Purchase cleaning supplies
- Educational technology
- Mental health supports
- Supplementary learning
- Added needs for at risk population
- Transportation
- Coordinated services for long term closures
- Professional development
- Other grant allowable expenses
- McKinney Vento Expenses
- Parent education
- Learning loss (Required for ESSER III)
- Improving air quality
- Improving facilities
- Implementing public health acts
- Module classrooms
CARES Act: ESSER I
In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law. The CARES Act dedicated $13.2 billion for K-12 schools through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund. This grant is known as ESSER I. The intent and purpose of ESSER I funding is to provide emergency relief funds to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. ESSER I funds can be used to cover expenses incurred March 13, 2020, through September 30, 2022.
CRRSA: ESSER II
In December 2020, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) was signed into law. CRRSA dedicated an additional $54.3 billion to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund. This grant is known as ESSER II.
ARP: ESSER III
In March 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) was signed into law. ARP dedicated $122 billion to the Elementary and Secondary School Education Relief (ESSER) Fund. This grant is known as ESSER III. The intent and purpose of ESSER III is to help safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools and address the impact of the coronavirus on students.