ESSER Funding and Impact
ESSER Funding Information
Since schools closed for in-person instruction in March 2020 due to the CoVid-19 pandemic and have subsequently reopened for instruction, switched back to remote instruction, and/or utilized a hybrid learning approach (in-person and online), the federal government has released three rounds of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding.
Since schools closed for in-person instruction in March 2020 due to the CoVid-19 pandemic and have subsequently reopened for instruction, switched back to remote instruction, and/or utilized a hybrid learning approach (in-person and online), the federal government has released three rounds of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding.
Each round of funding can be used for specific needs related to the pandemic, including costs associated with the cleaning and disinfecting of schools, instructional technology, and programs to address learning loss, such as after-school tutoring and summer school.
Below is a summary of how the Cambria Heights School District has used or will uses each round of funding. (Note that funds designated for future use are projections based upon current needs and allowable guidelines and are subject to approval by the Board of School Directors through the general budget adoption process.)
ESSER
ESSER funding came through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act of March 2020. Cambria Heights used this money to implement a 1:1 (one device for every student) initiative to purchase a Chromebook or iPad (primary grades) for each student.
ESSER II
ESSER II funding came through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act of December 2020. Cambria Heights used this funding to purchase new teacher laptops, projectors, and Promethean boards or Promethean ActivPanels for teachers at the elementary and middle schools; technology services from CJAWS (the district’s technology contractor); and for part of the cost of a capital improvement project to improve air quality at Cambria Heights Elementary School and Cambria Heights Middle School by installing new rooftop air handling units (RTUs) and cleaning or replacing existing ductwork in the buildings.
ARP ESSER (ESSER III)
American Rescue Plan (ARP ESSER; also known as ESSER III) funding was approved in March 2021. Cambria Heights’ grant designates this money for the balance of the elementary and middle school RTU project, as well as for the salary and benefits of two regular education teachers at the elementary school, subscriptions for online learning programs (i.e., GetMoreMath, IXL), window replacements at the elementary school, technical software for students and teachers (i.e., Adobe, Sapphire), and course fees for our in-house cyber academy. While the district’s grant application has been submitted, these funds can be spread out and used through September 2024.
Additionally, districts received “set-aside” funding as part of ARP ESSER. These funds are earmarked for more specific uses. Since much of this funding will be spent in summer 2022 and subsequent school years, the uses listed below are projections within allowable, research-based uses.
➢ Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Supports - Purchase of a web-based, K-12 guidance program that not only addresses social-emotional learning, but also tracks students’ required Career Readiness Standards artifacts; subcontracting for a part-time social worker to address truancy at the start of SY 22-23; providing school-based counseling through ACRP for students in need who do not qualify through their medical insurance.
➢ Staff Technical Assistance and SEL Professional Development - Host staff wellness days during Act 80 days in SY 22-23 and 23-24; conference/training costs for school counselors to study best practices related to addressing student mental health needs; district-wide professional development sessions related to student mental health and motivation.
➢ Reading Supports and Improvement - Purchase licenses for our web-based reading resources.
➢ After-School Programs - Provide after-school tutoring and credit recovery opportunities at the HS and offer high-interest enrichment opportunities lasting one or two weeks each at the ES and MS.
➢ Summer School Programs - Open summer learning camps to any students who wish to participate, but have targeted camps for those who have demonstrated specific needs. This funding can pay for supplies and transportation, as well as teachers’ salaries and benefits.
➢ Staff Technical Assistance and SEL Professional Development - Host staff wellness days during Act 80 days in SY 22-23 and 23-24; conference/training costs for school counselors to study best practices related to addressing student mental health needs; district-wide professional development sessions related to student mental health and motivation.
➢ Reading Supports and Improvement - Purchase licenses for our web-based reading resources.
➢ After-School Programs - Provide after-school tutoring and credit recovery opportunities at the HS and offer high-interest enrichment opportunities lasting one or two weeks each at the ES and MS.
➢ Summer School Programs - Open summer learning camps to any students who wish to participate, but have targeted camps for those who have demonstrated specific needs. This funding can pay for supplies and transportation, as well as teachers’ salaries and benefits.