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Ferris Independent School District

CARES Act and ESSER

Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER)

Data show the pandemic has had a significant impact on student learning. To help combat the impact of the pandemic, the following Acts have been developed to allocate Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds to school districts across the nation:

  • March 2020: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES Act) - ESSER I

  • December 2020: Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA Act) - ESSER II

  • March 2021: American Rescue Plan (ARP Act) - ESSER III

ESSER I and ESSER II were both supplanted by the State (i.e., Texas reduced state funding [Foundation School Program / FSP] to districts), so that what districts received from FSP + ESSER equaled what we would have received in FSP funding had we not been impacted by COVID-19.

ESSER III is the single largest investment in federal elementary and secondary education in the nation’s history. This allotment was passed on from the state to school districts.

  • ESSER III provides resources for critical one-time investments; time-limited programming to respond to the pandemic; and innovation that can redefine student learning, acceleration, and development to address learning loss and mental health needs.

  • Ferris ISD has been allocated $3,817,140 (estimate) in ESSER III funding and is applying to the Texas Education Agency to access the funds.

  • We apply first for the first 2/3s of funding ($2,544,760 - July 2021), and later the Texas Education Agency will allow us to apply for the final 1/3 of funding ($1,272,380).

  • The supplemental funds can be used for allowable expenses occurring between March 13, 2020 (when the national emergency was declared) and September 30, 2023 (plus a one-year carry forward under the Tydings Amendment - September 30, 2024).

  • Districts will be required to follow all federal, state and local regulations and requirements for federal grant administration and fiscal spending of these funds.

  • We sought feedback from stakeholders when developing our Ferris ISD - ESSER III:

    Use of Funds Plan (Posted June 22, 2021)
    (reviewed/revised as needed)

    Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan
    (Posted June 23, 2021)
    (reviewed/revised at least every 6 months)

  • Stakeholder Input was received via surveys and public meetings:

    • Ferris ISD Social Media posting of Public Comment Form - April 29, 2021

    • Ferris ISD School Board Public Meeting - May 18, 2021

    • District Decision Making Committee Public Meeting (e.g., teachers, parents, community members, business partners, etc.) - May 18, 2021

    • Administrator and Public feedback - May-June 2021

    • Ferris ISD School Board Public Meeting - July 20, 2021

  • Based on stakeholder feedback and an analysis of prioritized needs, Ferris ISD's Use of Funds Plan focuses on:

    • Learning Loss/Recovery

    • Planning for, coordinating, and implementing activities during long-term closures

    • Response to Mental Health Needs (students and staff)

    • Virtual Learning (training and services)

    • Learning Platforms and Curriculum

    • Extended Learning Opportunities (Summer School, etc.)

    • Systems to improve air quality and reduce the risk of infection

NOTICE OF INTENT TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL FUNDS UNDER ESSER

ESSER II Notice pdf

 

 

ESSER III Notice pdf