One at One: ESSER II Funds

Today’s Issue by Colleen Degnan:

Whether school districts may use ESSER II funds (available under the Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act) for the same uses as ESSER I funds (available under the CARES Act).

Answer:

Yes.  Additionally, the Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (“CRRSA”) clarified that both ESSER I and ESSER II funds may be used to 1) address learning loss, 2) prepare schools for reopening, or 3) test, repair, and upgrading projects to improve air quality in school buildings.  Regarding timing, school districts must commit ESSER I funds to a specific use by September 20, 2022 and commit ESSER II funds by September 30, 2023.

Resources:

https://oese.ed.gov/files/2021/01/Final_ESSERII_Factsheet_1.5.21.pdf

https://www.nj.gov/education/covid19/boardops/docs/ESSERIIFactSheet.pdf

To Learn More about FPSCTT’s Education and School Law Practice, please contact:

Lester Taylor, Partner and Chair

Christine Soto, Partner and Co-Chair

Afshan Ajmiri Giner, Partner and Co-Chair

Caitlin Pletcher, Partner

This post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.