Funding Update : Capture the Final Esser Funds

CAPTURE THE FINAL ESSER FUNDS

As we all know, the final tranche of ESSER funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) must be spent or committed by September 30, 2024. But just how much is left to be spent?

Here is the summary of what has been spent and what remains, as of February 29. 

Esser Funds remaining by state as of February 29, 2024 

SO WHAT?

Even though these figures were last updated at the end of February, we can assume more money has been spent.  However, they will not have spent the entire $43B. Many of the school districts still have money to spend.  States and districts face a Sept. 30 deadline to obligate ESSER-ARP funds. After then, they have another four months — or until Jan. 28, 2025 — to actually spend down ARP money. Tips:

Most decisions about spending/obligating leftover funds will be made before school dismisses in June. In September they will be busy organizing the new school year, placing students and teachers. 

  • Have you communicated with your clients to remind them of your product with an offer? If not, be sure to do so ASAP to capture these leftover funds.

  • Do you have a summer school offer as many schools will buy product to address learning recovery and/or SEL?

  • Do you have a back-to-school offer as the last attempt to capture ESSER funds?


Currently, schools and states have 4 months past the September 30 2024 commitment deadline until January 28, 2025 to spend the funds. In January, the U.S. Department of Education notified schools and states that they could apply for a spending extension through March 30, 2026. That means a school still has to commit the funds by September 30 2024 but could actually spend the money through the extension period. To date only 0.17% of districts have applied for an extension and all have been approved.

  • States must submit their requests for extension by December 31, 2024.

  • Districts must apply for the extension through their state departments.

  • If you have a customer that the extension would help purchase your product or service, send them to this FAQ for more information.


    Download the report here

For more information:

Jenny House, PhD.

jhouse@redrockreports.com

Jenny House