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:
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 —
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.