ESSER Funds Drive Progress in Schools, Districts, and States

In Waterbury, Vermont, Brookside Primary School channeled its federal COVID-19 relief funds to establish a kindergarten interventionist role dedicated to enhancing students’ foundational literacy and numeracy skills.

Meanwhile, Henderson Middle School in Jackson, Georgia, directed its federal funding allocation towards fostering stronger student, staff, and family bonds, resulting in a more inclusive and supportive school environment.

In Indianapolis Public Schools, the district’s investment in tutoring programs has yielded substantial academic improvements among the students involved.

A convening of the Coalition to Advance Future Student Success showcased success stories like these, highlighting the positive impact of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund.

Education organizations, including the Council of Chief State School Officers and AASA, are advocating for the continued momentum in school improvement driven by the $189.5 billion federal funding granted under ESSER.

Key stakeholders emphasize the importance of understanding the efficacy of past investments to inform future funding strategies sustaining improvement initiatives initiated through ESSER.

At Brookside Primary, Jo-Anne Smith, the kindergarten intervention specialist, has played a crucial role in supporting teachers and students in their learning journey using ESSER funds.

In Jackson, Georgia, Henderson Middle School saw a transformation in its school culture by focusing on social-emotional well-being and relationship-building with the help of ESSER dollars.

In Indianapolis, the district utilized ESSER funds to enhance learning recovery efforts and aims to continue these initiatives post-funding period.

Minnesota’s St. Paul Public Schools and Indianapolis Public Schools are among the districts doubling down on learning recovery investments post-ESSER funding phase.

North Carolina’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Catherine Truitt, underscored the state’s strategic allocation of ESSER funds to address pandemic-related challenges and enhance student learning outcomes.