Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Notice of Intent to Apply for Federal Funds and Request for Public Comment

The Carroll Independent School District (ISD) is applying for the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III (ESSER III) Federal grant for funding. These federal funds were appropriated to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for public education purposes under the ARP Act through the ESSER III Fund.

ARP ESSER III Overview: 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.

General grant specifics are as follows:

  • Grant Timeframe: Grant application deadline is July 27, 2021. Grant expires September 30, 2023. If needed, districts can carry over unused funds and be allowed to continue spending until September 30, 2024.
  • Districts will be required to follow all federal, state, and local regulations and requirements for federal grant administration and fiscal spending of funds.
  • ESSER III is a one-time grant. Districts are advised to prioritize one-time purchases that will not have an adverse effect on future budget cycles. 
  • The Carroll ISD has been allocated $1,078,981 (estimate) – to be expended over a 3-year period.

To respond to the pandemic and to address student learning loss as a result of COVID-19, LEAs must expend a minimum of 20% of their grant funds on the following — 

  • Evidence-based interventions, and 
  • Ensure interventions respond to students’ academic, social, and emotional needs and address disproportionate impact of coronavirus on students’ populations as defined in ESEA Title I, Part A, students experiencing homelessness, and youth in foster care. 

The LEA must ensure that it engages in meaningful consultation with stakeholders and gives the public an opportunity to provide input in the development of its plan for the uses of ARP ESSER III funds. The ESSER III application process is due to the Texas Education Agency by July 27, 2021.

Public Notification and Comments: The Board of Trustees received notice on June 7, 2021 at a public meeting. The public notice was posted to the CISD website and social media on June 8, 2021. The public input form was open from June 8 – June 22, 2021. Additionally, the Carroll ISD Board of Trustees and District will discuss as an agenda topic on July 19, 2021 beginning at 5 p.m. the ESSER III Grant Opportunities, Use of Funds, Return to In-Person Learning, and Continuity of Services. Public Comment will be available for any citizens that wish to speak on the topic. Carroll ISD’s final application and plan will reflect student and staff needs and incorporate public input and comments.

 

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