ESSER III

In March 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Plan (ESSER III) was signed into law. ESSER III provides $122 billion to state and local education agencies to help safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools and address the impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 ("COVID-19") pandemic on the Nation's students by addressing students' academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs.

On June 21, 2021, Ferris ISD applied for and received a total ESSER III allocation of $3,818,373.00. These funds are supplemental and will be used to address the impact COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on our elementary and secondary schools.  Ferris ISD is required by law to set aside 20% of the total allocation to address learning loss.  

As part of the application process, Ferris ISD solicited stakeholder input through a survey/request for public comment and opportunity for discussion before the Ferris ISD Board of Trustees. Any feedback or input received from local stakeholders was considered in the development of the District's ESSER III Use of Funds Plan.

Ferris ISD is required by law to develop two plans:  1) ESSER III Use of Funds Plan and 2) Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services.  These plans will be reviewed at least every six months and adjustments will be made when necessary.

Stakeholder Consultation
Public Notice of Intent to Apply: April 29, 2021
Survey /Public Comment Period: April 29, 2021-May 13, 2021
FISD Board Meeting: May 18, 2021
Stakeholder Consult (DEIC): June 23, 2021

For questions or further information, please contact:

Dr. Kevin N. Dixon
Director of State & Federal Programs
972-544-3858
kdixon@ferrisisd.org

NOTICE OF INTENT TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL FUNDS AND REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

Ferris ISD wishes to announce the District's intent to make application for federal funds appropriated to the State of Texas for public education purposes under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III (ESSER III) Fund.  The District requests public comment on the application and tentative plans for use of the funds.

ESSER III funds:   $3,817,140 (estimate)- To be expended over a 3-year period

Purpose:
To respond to the pandemic and to address student learning loss as a result of COVID-19 by providing evidence-based interventions, such as summer learning, extended day comprehensive after-school programs, and/or extended school year programs that respond to students’ academic, social, and emotional needs and address disproportionate impact of coronavirus on student populations as defined in ESEA, Title I, Part A; students experiencing homelessness; and youth in foster care.

Tentative Plans:
Provide summer school staff, paraprofessional staff, interventionists, learning specialist, research and accountability staff, professional development, and instructional materials, including technology devices.  Funds will be used over a 3-year period.

Interested parties may file a comment online by clicking here. If you prefer to file your comment on paper, mail your comment to:

Ferris ISD
Attention: Federal Programs
301 E 5th St
Ferris, TX 75125

Alternatively, you may also deliver your comment to:

Dr. Kevin Dixon
Director of State & Federal Programs

at the same address. Written comments must be received on or before May 13, 2021. The District will consider all comments received by this deadline.