Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III-ARP) funds were authorized in Section 2001 of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021, enacted March 11, 2021. The funds were provided to school districts to help safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools and address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Funds to school districts were allocated on the basis of their respective shares of funds received under Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 in fiscal year 2020.
ESSER funds are allowable to fund costs incurred on or after March 13, 2020, when COVID-19 was declared a national emergency. These are one-time funds that are not available for ongoing financial obligations.
ARP-ESSER Spending Plan - 20% Allocation