WHAT DOES ESSER STAND FOR AND WHAT ARE THESE GRANTS ALL ABOUT

The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund is a federal formula grant managed by the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE). Non-recurring, emergency aid subgrants are being allocated by the AOE to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) by formula based on Title I, Part A allocations - Colchester School District (CSD) is one of those LEAs. Funds are broken down into three parts: ESSER I, ESSER II, and ESSER III/ARP ESSER. These grants are considered one-time funds.

WHAT IS TITLE I, PART A?

Title I, Part A is a Consolidated Federal Program with the purpose of providing all children a significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education, and to close educational achievement gaps. CSD receives Title I funding each year.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT ESSER TYPES & HOW MUCH HAS MRPS BEEN ALLOCATED?

Click the links to learn more about:

• ESSER I, also known as Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) ESSER funds. CSD allocation: $409,289
• ESSER II, an expansion of CARES ESSER funds and with the addition of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRPSA) funds. CSD allocation: $1,611,292
• ESSER III, also known as the American Rescue Plan (ARP) ESSER funds. CSD allocation: $3,608,263

This U.S. Department of Education Fact Sheet further describes ESSER funds and the difference between each type.

WHAT IS THE STATUS OF ESSER I & ESSER II FUNDS AND SPENDING?

Review this presentation to learn about ESSER I and II spending plans for CSD.

ARP ESSER/ESSER III Public ESSER Plan

WHAT IS "MEANINGFUL CONSULTATION"

A major component of how CSD will spend ESSER III/ARP ESSER funds will depend on the feedback received on the Input Survey, and through stakeholder engagement. Staff, parents/caregivers, and community are invited to provide feedback on the survey. Representatives for Tribes, unions, Civil Rights organzations, children with disabilities, English Learners (EL), children experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, migratory students, and interests of underserved students, will also provide feedback on way to meet students’ needs. This input will guide the district’s planning for the use of ESSER III/ARP ESSER funds.

HOW TO ENGAGE IN THIS PROCESS

1. Review this document to learn more about the limitations and opportunities for how to spend ESSER III funds
2. Review the December, 2021 School Board presentation on ESSER Funds.
3. Provide feedback on ESSER III spending on the Input Survey - Survey closes February 25, 2022