ESSER Information
ESSER 3.0
The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief 3.0 (ESSER 3.0) Fund under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021, Public Law 117-2, enacted on March 11, 2021.
ESSER funds will be used to help safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools and address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on students.
The ASD will receive $55,198,034 in ESSER 3.0 funding. Twenty percent of which ($11,039,606.97) bust be set aside to help students recover from the impact of the coronavirus.
These funds can help with learning loss and address the socio-emotional and mental health needs of all students, particularly underrepresented students.
Address learning loss: Provide the resources needed to make up for lost time in the classroom.
School facility and repairs and improvements: Make facility repairs and improvements to reduce the risk of virus transmission and exposure to environmental health hazards and to support student health needs.
Address learning acceleration: Create programs (academic interventions) for learning growth among students.
Purchase educational technology: Provide computers, software, internet connections (Wi-Fi) for students, including low-income students, and assistive technology or adaptive equipment for students with disabilities.
Provide mental health services and supports
Reopen safely & remaining open: Follow CDC guidelines to reopen safely and remain open.
An overall LEA PLAN will be developed and posted for community review and comment.
District Needs Assessment
The needs assessment specifically names those areas where additional support, resources, or attention would positively benefit students. It requires the identification of areas to strengthen as a result of the pandemic. The needs assessment may also include areas that were already focus areas for the district that have been exacerbated as a result of the pandemic and where additional investment may be warranted or beneficial.
Health and Safety Plans
The Health and Safety Plan describes how the LEA will ensure continuity of services, including but not limited to services to address students’ academic needs, and students’ and staff’s social, emotional, mental health, and other needs, including student health and food services.
Community Engagement Checklist
With regard to addressing the academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of all students, particularly those most impacted by the pandemic, we solicited and considered the input of teachers, administrators, community organizations, students, and their families to identify their most pressing needs.
LEA ESSER Plan
In response to COVID-19, the U.S. Congress passed several pieces of legislation that sent billions in relief funding to states. Tennessee received $4.2 billion for K-12 funding to be spent before 2024. This is the district’s plan for spending, in compliance with federal law.