ESSER II and ESSER III
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Department of Education has released three grants for which local education agencies (LEAs) can apply through the Texas Education Agency (TEA). These grants, known as ESSER I, ESSER II, and ESSER III, were authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act); the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA); and the American Rescue Plan (ARP).
CRRSA: ESSER II
In December 2020, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) was signed into law. CRRSA dedicated an additional $54.3 billion to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund. This grant is known as ESSER II. The Texas Education Agency released the grant application on June 4, 2021, and Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts’ ESSER II allocation is $34,008. ESSER II funds can be used to cover expenses incurred March 13, 2020, through September 30, 2023. The LEA will utilize these funds to assist with funding instructional programs due to learning loss that was experienced due to COVID pandemic.
ARP: ESSER III
In March 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) was signed into law. ARP dedicated $122 billion to the Elementary and Secondary School Education Relief (ESSER) Fund. This grant is known as ESSER III. The intent and purpose of ESSER III is to help safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools and address the impact of the coronavirus on students.
Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts’ ESSER III allocation is $50,919. These funds are supplemental and will be used to address the impact COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on the LEA. Based on guidance from TEA and feedback from students, parents, and other stakeholder groups, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts’ plan for ESSER III funds will focus on assisting the LEA in conducting accelerated learning opportunities for students identified through HB4545.
Supplemental: ESSER III
Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts will utilize ESSER III funds to address issues that have risen due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The LEA allocation for ESSER III Supplemental is $294,452. The LEA is required by statue to set aside 20 percent of its total ESSER III allocation to address learning loss. The LEA will also utilize these funds to assist staff and students with technology needs and the purchase of PPE equipment. The LEA is also required to develop two plans: a Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan and a Use of Funds Plan. The use of funds are outlined above and the plans are linked below and will be reviewed every six months and revised, as necessary. ESSER III funds can be used to cover expenses incurred March 13, 2020, through September 30, 2024.
FWAFA ESSER Funds:
Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts’ Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan is posted HERE.