ESSER Funds
Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds are being provided under Section 18003 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Section 313 of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act, and Section 2001 of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act. The United States Department of Education has defined the intent of all three ESSER grants as: to prevent, prepare for, or respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including its impact on the social, emotional, mental health, and academic needs of students.
More About ESSER Funds
Allocation Amounts
TEA has released two-thirds of the total ESSER III allocation to Texas School Districts. The remaining one-third will be made available upon the USDE’s approval of the states spending plan.
- Initial Allocation (2/3): $43,137,201
- Remaining Allocation (1/3): $21,568,601
- CISD Total Allocation: $64,705,802
Planning Requirements for ESSER III
- 20% must be spent on learning loss activities
- Maintenance of Equity Provision: Supplanting is allowed. District must maintain equity across all schools when reducing local spending.
Planning Considerations for ESSER II and III
- Transparency
- Meet the needs of students most impacted by the pandemic
- Choosing and implementing the most effective evidence-based interventions
- Prioritizing educational equity
- Including stakeholder engagement
- Having strong fiscal safeguards