The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021, Public Law 117-2, was enacted on March 11, 2021. The ARP Act provides additional funding for school districts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Education portion of ARP is known as the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III or ARP ESSER) Fund.
The intent and purpose of the funding are to sustain the safe operation of schools and address student learning needs due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
General grant specifics are as follows:
Per requirements, the development of a plan for the use of these funds was made with educators and other required stakeholders. Consultation with district and campus leadership occurred to begin brainstorming possible strategies that were allowable expenditures through ESSER III funds. A stakeholder survey sought feedback to guide and support these funds' instructional and expenditure plans.
Jasper ISD will continue to seek stakeholder input through meaningful consultation in reviewing and revising, as needed, the ESSER III Safe Return to In-Person and Continuity of Services Plan at least every six months. This process will include input from the District Improvement Planning Committee, District Leadership Team, Stakeholder Surveys, and a Student Focus Group. Input will be considered during the periodic reviews of the plan.