ESSER

District 301 received funding from the federal government to assist with COVID-19 relief. These funds are allocated to the states, and in Illinois, distributed through the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).  “ESSER” is short for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund. It was established as part of the CARES Act passed in 2020 to address the impact of COVID-19.  The district will use its ESSER funds to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The four areas of focus are:  academic and student supports, capital improvements, health and safety, and social emotional support.

Each district that receives ARP ESSER funds must also explain the extent to which and how the funds will be used to implement prevention and mitigation strategies that are, to the extent practicable, consistent with CDC guidance; how the district will use the funds it reserves under Section2001 (e) (1) of the ARP Act to address the academic impact of lost instructional time; how the district will use its remaining ARP ESSER funds; how the district will ensure the interventions it implements will respond to the social, emotional, mental health, and academic needs of all students, particularly those students disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Section 2001(i) of the ARP Act requires a Local Education Agency (LEA) that receives ARP ESSER funds to develop and make publicly available on its website, within 30 days after receiving its allocation, a plan for the safe return to in-person instruction and continuity of services. 

Central 301’s Return to School Plan was updated on Aug 3, 2021.  ARP-ESSER III Funds Plan here. 

ESSER funds use highlights :

• Supplemental researched instructional materials 
• Technology, hotspots, and software
• Summer programming
• Expanding STEM  learning opportunities
• Addressing unfinished learning
• MTSS/Interventions
• Transportation McKinney Vento 
• Construction and facilities improvement projects consistent with CDC recommendations (ie. additional classrooms mobiles, transportation facility, cafeteria 
• Sustaining safe operation of schools, safety equipment, disinfectants, and PPE materials

If you would like to submit comments regarding the plan, please click this link. 

District 301 Allocation