The ESSER I Grant Program, part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, provides funds to help LEAs respond to changes in student needs due to COVID-19 (CARES Act, Section 18003).
The DPI awarded more than $158 million in ESSER I funds directly to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) through grants.
- DPI's Federal Stimulus Relief Funding FAQ (Google doc)
- ESSER I Allocations for LEAs
- ESSER I, II, and III Overview (Google Doc)
- U.S. Department of Education ESSER web page
- Preparing for the Federal Single Audit (Google Doc) technical assistance document
Equitable Participation for Private School Students
Equitable participation for private school students applies to ESSER I grant funds. The process will be the same as that for ESEA, involving meaningful consultation and submission of Affirmation of Consultation forms.
The CARES Act requires that an Local Education Agency (LEA) maintain all control of federal funds, materials, equipment, and property. LEAs may make purchases and contract for services on behalf of the private school, but shall not reimburse the private school for any purchases or contract of services made by the private school (CARES Act, Section 18005(b)).
Allowable Costs
Allowable costs incurred on or after March 13, 2020 may be included.
- ESSER Funds (I, II, III) Guidance on Public Allowable Costs (Google doc)
- Additional requirements for construction projects to prevent, prepare for, or respond to COVID-19 (Google document)
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Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Compliance and Federal Stimulus Funds (Google document)
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How to Budget Construction in WISEgrants (Google document)
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The CARES Act requires that an Local Education Agency (LEA) maintain all control of federal funds, materials, equipment, and property. LEAs may make purchases and contract for services on behalf of the private school, but LEAs may not reimburse the private school for any purchases or contract of services made by the private school (CARES Act, Section 18005(b)).