Funding Update: ESSER Funds Remaining
STATUS UPDATE: ESSER FUNDS REMAINING
States continue to submit their SPEND of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds in the interest of transparency, as required by the federal government. The table below reflects the results submitted by states 3/30/24.
These funds have been instrumental in addressing the myriad challenges faced by schools, including learning loss, mental health crises, and the need for enhanced safety measures following the impact of the pandemic. But all the funds must be spent or obligated by September 30, 2024. As of 3/30/24, there remains nearly $40 billion in the states to be spent. Therefore, it is important to continue to track the progress of state spending, so education entities know there are still opportunities to avail themselves of the funds for the intended purposes as described in the regulations.
SO WHAT?
As we mentioned in the ESSER status update of the February 29 report, the timeline for spending these funds continues to shorten. So how can you position your products or services to schools for purchase using these funds?
Do Your Research – School districts are supposed to track their own spending of ESSER funds. They also should report the status of their SPEND. Don’t encourage them to spend what they don’t have. It may be on their website and/or in their posted budgets which must be presented at Board meetings
Summer School – it is not too late to put together a package for schools to purchase for summer school. Remember that usually this is only a six-week period so adjust your pricing to reflect that
Back to School Campaign – It is not too soon to craft a compelling, price sensitive campaign to capture the final dollars that disappear after 9/30/24. Do not ask for multi-year contracts funded by ESSER. Also, identify if the district has secured an extension to spend the obligated funds through March 30, 2026. Can your product/service be paid over time as you deliver it.
Download the report here
For more information:
Jenny House, PhD.
jhouse@redrockreports.com