Article
Federal ESSER II funding – how should schools prioritize these funds?
Feb. 24, 2021 · Authored by Brock J. Bowsher
Public schools across the United States received additional federal COVID-19 relief funding through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020. The CRRSAA provides an additional $54.3 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER II). Allowable expenditures under the CRRSAA are similar to eligible uses under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (i.e., ESSER I), however this additional round of funding also allows for expanded uses and timing.
CARES Act funding initially provided to schools allows for allocations to be used toward preventing, preparing for and responding to COVID-19. CRRSAA funds can also be used to cover such costs dating back to March 13, 2020, when the national emergency was initially declared. Additionally, eligible uses for ESSER II include addressing learning loss, preparing schools for reopening, and testing, repairing and upgrading infrastructure to improve air quality in school buildings.
Examples
Specific examples of allowable CRRSAA capital and operating costs could be:
Capital
- HVAC/mechanical repairs and/or upgrades
- Education and assessment technology
- School facility repairs to limit health hazards
Operating
- Activities allowed under other federal programs
- Coordination activities with local health department in response to COVID-19
- Academic resources to support individual student needs
- Mental health support
- Summer school programs
- Purchase of and training for sanitation/cleaning materials
Timing
An important distinguishing characteristic of the CRRSAA funds is timing when funds must be obligated. The CARES Act has an obligated deadline of Sept. 30, 2022, whereas the CRRSAA obligation deadline is one year later, Sept. 30, 2023.
