ESSER: Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund
In 2021, WS/FCS developed a plan to utilize federal ESSER Funds in response to COVID’s impacts on education in our public schools. The plan includes input from 10 townhall style events and will undergo ongoing evaluation of a task force (soon to be formed). WS/FCS has the ability to amend its ESSER Plan and budget as needed.
What is ESSER?
Congress has approved three (3) different Acts as a response to the impact of COVID-19. Each Act has parts that are specific to states and school systems to address the impacts of the pandemic through the use of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Funds.
March 2020 - ESSER I | December 2020 - ESSER II | March 2021 - ESSER III |
|---|---|---|
ESSER I was established as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. ESSER I provided direct funding to states and school districts to address the impact COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools across the nation. | ESSER II was created through enactment of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA). As with ESSER I, the core purpose of the ESSER II Fund is to provide funds to states and districts to address the areas most impacted by the disruption and closure of schools caused by COVID-19. For NC, addressing learning recovery was the focus, specifically summer school. | The American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) Fund was enacted. ARP ESSER (ESSER III) provides direct aid to states and districts to help safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools and address the impact of COVID-19 on schools. ESSER III requires each public school unit to use at least 20% of their allotment for addressing learning loss. |
What can ESSER II and ESSER III Funding support?
ESSER Funds can support activities such as:
Addressing Learning Loss
Long-term Closure Activities
Education Technology
Mental Health Services
Summer Learning
Other Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Activities
Providing Principals/Leaders with Resources (ESSER II only)
Addressing Unique Needs of Special Populations
ESSER Funds can also support improvements or modifications that help prevent transmission of the COVID-19 virus:
Improving Preparedness and Response
Training to Minimize Virus Transmission
Supplies to Sanitize and Clean
Facility Repairs/Improvement to Minimize Virus Transmission
Improve Air Quality
Coordination of Preparedness and Response
WS/FCS Guiding Principles
WS/FCS asked the following questions to help establish its ESSER Funding Allocations and Priorities.
How does the investment address current and long-term student needs?
How does the investment advance the strategic plan and instructional priorities, vision, and goals of the district?
What do we know already about the efficacy of the investment of the likelihood that a new, innovative initiative will be successful
What will it take to effectively and equitably implement the program or strategy?
How will the investment be sustained or continue to build district capacity after the three years of relief funding ends?
How will success be measured? What are the metrics that will be employed?
WS/FCS will be diligent to create sustainable activities, improvements, and modifications for the safe operation of its schools and address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the district's students beyond the ESSER Funding periods.
You spoke. We listened.
Incorporated Community Ideas into ESSER
Literacy coaches to support K-3 teachers
Standards-aligned field trips and exploration activities
One-time retention bonuses to all WS/FCS employees
Creation of outdoor learning areas at schools
Expanded district hotline with increased hours and responsiveness to seasonal topics/questions
Enhanced student orientation experiences at schools to support return to in-person instructions, especially for transitional grades (K, 1, 6, 7, 9, 10)
Additional Feedback Included in Other Funding Sources
Social Emotional Learning curriculum to support student needs
Establishment of wellness rooms for students
Mentor program, especially for black males, for encouragement and connections to the community
WS/FCS ESSER Use of Funds Highlights
Previous Updates
Click the links below for previous updates on the WS/FCS utilization of ESSER Funds.
Fast Facts
How long is ESSER Funding available? Do they expire?
ESSER II Funding is available for use through September 30, 2023.
ESSER III Funding is available for use through September 30, 2024.
Can the WS/FCS ESSER Use of Funds change?
Yes, WS/FCS can make modifications to its ESSER Use of Funds as it receives community feedback and monitors programs and initiatives for effectiveness.
The initial plan draft in May 2021 was in response to DPI's May 7, 2021, deadline. If the application were submitted after the deadline, WS/FCS would not have access ESSER funding through the summer due to the fiscal calendar. Some resources needed to address learning loss, summer school, planning for a long-term closure, and sanitation are needed during the summer and WS/FCS could not wait to have access to funding until August 2021.
What determines the district's ESSER Fund allotments?
Congress directed the calculations for ESSER funds to follow the existing formula used for Title I, Part A. However, ESSER funds are to be used for all schools and students in the district and Title I, Part A requirements do not apply. Title I calculations are the sum of the four statutory formulas that are based primarily on census poverty estimates and the cost of education in each state.
Will there be an ESSER Task Force?
Yes, WS/FCS will create an ESSER Task Force. The Finance Department will work in conjunction with community partners to offer guidance and oversight of the WS/FCS plans for expenditures of federal funds focused on supporting student learning and student needs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Task Force will remain in place as long as ESSER Funds are available through 2024.
Will there be outcomes associated with ESSER Funding?
Yes, the WS/FCS ESSER Use of Funds includes outcomes that will hold the district accountable for each category of funding. These outcomes will be evaluated on an ongoing basis to inform necessary changes to programs and initiatives, including summer extended learning and additional staffing needs.