Elementary & 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 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.
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Medina Valley ISD has been allocated $5,412,757 in ESSER III funding and is applying to the Texas Education Agency to access the funds.
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MVISD applied for the first 2/3s of funding ($3,626,547 - July 2021), and later the Texas Education Agency will allow us to apply for the final 1/3 of funding ($1,786,209).
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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 Tydings Amendment - September 30, 2024).
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Districts will be required to follow all federal, state and local regulations and requirements for federal grant administration and fiscal spending of these funds.
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MVISD sought feedback from stakeholders when developing our Use of Funds Plan and Safe Return to In-Person Instruction & Continuity of Services Plan - ESSER III
Process & Updates
Stakeholder input was received via surveys and public meetings:
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What is our ESSER Plan?
Quick Recap based on feedback and prioritized needs
Based on stakeholder feedback and an analysis of prioritized needs MVISD's Use of Funds Plan focuses on:
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