Put ESSER Funds to Work in Your District

There are three pools of money, each associated with a different piece of legislation.

1. March 2020: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES)–ESSER I ($13.5 billion)
2. December 2020: The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA)–ESSER II ($54.3 billion)
3. March 2021: The American Rescue Plan Act–ESSER III ($122.8 billion) 

States are allotted money from the federal government based on how much Title 1, Part A funding they receive. States must distribute a minimum of 90% of ESSER funds to local districts (LEAs) based on Title 1 funding and can retain up to 10% for emergency educational needs. ESSER funds are not subject to Title 1 requirements.

The state education agency (SEA) must apply to the US Department of Education for ESSER funds and then disperse ESSER funds to LEAs within one year, as stated in the ESSER Fund Certification and Agreement.

LEA spending deadlines:

• ESSER I September 30, 2022
• ESSER II September 30, 2023
• ESSER III September 30, 2024

Districts must apply to the state education agency (SEA), and LEAs will receive money based on Title 1 allocations within one year of the state receiving federal ESSER funds. You can learn more by reading the ESSER Fund Frequently Asked Questions.

Yes! You can leverage a purchase consortium that is compliant and approved. Most any district can join and use. Learn more about Sourcewell Contract Benefits.

Here is a short list of how ESSER funds may be used to augment and improve science education in your school. Federal guidance may be found here. It should be noted that the state education agency (SEA) cannot restrict the local education agency’s (LEA) use of ESSER funds. Additionally, districts that do not qualify for Title 1 funding also do not qualify for ESSER funding.

• Sustaining safe school operation
• Addressing students’ social, emotional, and learning needs
• Enrichment programs during the summer and school year
• Intensive tutoring that accelerates learning for students most impacted by the pandemic
• Hiring counselors, social workers, school psychologists, nurses, and other support staff

There are many allowable uses. For instance, science education projects, materials, supplies, PPE, and lab equipment can be purchased with ESSER funds. Here are some examples:

• 3-dimensional supplementary instructional materials
• New hands-on curricula
• NGSS teaching and learning recovery materials
• Virtual learning materials
• Updating and adding new technology like probe ware or virtual dissections
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• School and lab furniture
• Adding a maker’s space to your classroom
• Starting a robotics afterschool program

Keep in mind, there are deadlines to spend ESSER monies, so plan your projects now and make a list of what you need to have a top-notch science classroom. Choose the items you need to enhance your science instruction, boost student engagement, and elevate learning success. Dream big!

Take a good look around your science classroom and a close look at what your students really need to succeed; then, make a list. Carolina is here to help you shop for everything on your list, from lab materials and lab safety solutions to curricula. You can even find what you need to design and outfit a new lab. Action items:

• Check with your building administrator to ascertain who is managing ESSER funds for your district.
• Get the necessary paperwork to request funding.
• Be ready to document positive growth in your students.