• Coordinate emergency funding
• Purchase cleaning supplies
• Educational technology
• Mental health supports
• Supplementary learning
• Added needs for at risk population
• Transportation
• Coordinated services for long term closures
• Professional development
• Other grant allowable expenses
• McKinney Vento Expenses
• Parent education
• Learning loss (Required for ESSER III)
• Improving air quality
• Improving facilities
• Implementing public health acts
• Module classrooms

CARES Act: ESSER I
In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law. The CARES Act dedicated $13.2 billion for K-12 schools through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund. This grant is known as ESSER I. The intent and purpose of ESSER I funding is to provide emergency relief funds to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. ESSER I funds can be used to cover expenses incurred March 13, 2020, through September 30, 2022.

District 31 applied to receive its ESSER I allocation in August 2020. District 31's ESSER I allocation of $138,005 was used for summer meals, technology, professional development on trauma, summer work, and to purchase necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).

CRRSA: ESSER II
In December 2020, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) was signed into law. CRRSA dedicated an additional $54.3 billion to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund. This grant is known as ESSER II. District 31's ESSER II allocation was $536,613 and is being used for salaries for interventionists, the summer intervention program, summer work, iPads, and transportation to summer school. District 31 will apply for its allocation of ESSER II funds before September 2, 2021. ESSER II funds can be used to cover expenses incurred March 13, 2020, through September 30, 2023.

ARP: ESSER III
In March 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) was signed into law. ARP dedicated $122 billion to the Elementary and Secondary School Education Relief (ESSER) Fund. This grant is known as ESSER III. The intent and purpose of ESSER III is to help safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools and address the impact of the coronavirus on students.

School District 31 will apply to receive its allocation of ESSER III funds before July 27, 2021, based on feedback from stakeholder groups. District 31’s ESSER III allocation is $1,204,571. These funds are supplemental to District 31's budget and will be used to address the impact COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools. District 31’s plan for ESSER III funds may include salarise for staff members including new EL positions and a new math position, an intervention curriculum for school year 2021-2022, EC programming, SEL support, technology, parent engagement, and professional development.

District 31 will utilize ESSER III funds to address issues that have risen due to the COVID-19 pandemic. District 31 is required by statue to set aside 20 percent of its total ESSER III allocation to address learning loss. ESSER III funds can be used to cover expenses incurred March 13, 2020, through September 30, 2024.

Return to School Plan 
Submit Feedback about Return to School Plan

Feedback Opportunities for ESSER III

• Feedback Survey from Strategic Plan Committee and Stakeholders Survey 
• Board of Education Meeting Presentation 
• 30 Day Hearing Period to Consider Community Feedback
• Final Approval at August Board of Education Meeting
• Posting 2021 - 2022 In-Person Return to School Plans on District Website with Opportunity for Stakeholder Feedback