ESSER CARES Act III

ARP ESSER III

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) was passed March 10, 2021. This was the

largest federal government’s investment in schools, with $122.8 billion designated as

Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding for K-12 entities.

ARP ESSER CARES Act III funds were allocated to provide relief for the economic impact

of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Walker County Schools was allocated $19,956,253 in ARP ESSER III funding. The

Leadership Team including the Superintendent, Directors, Coordinators, Principals, and

Assistant Principals held multiple meetings to discuss priorities of the district and the

safe re-opening plan for FY2021-2022. Discussions were also held at school board

planning and regular school board meetings to involve the board and any public

stakeholders. A survey went out to stakeholders across the district to submit input for

funding needs to be included in the ESSER budgets.

The ARP ESSER CARES Act III budget for Walker County was submitted and approved by

the Georgia Department of Education in July 2021. ARP ESSER III expenditures from

July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023 were $10.7 million. Funds were used to purchase

ViewSonic devices for classrooms, for instructional subscriptions, including ESOL

subscriptions, social emotional programs, a new social worker and behavior specialist,

attendance incentives for substitute teachers, custodians, bus drivers, and school

nutrition employees. Funds were also used for Retention/Recruitment Bonuses. Other

funds will be spent for PPE (masks, sanitizer, and other items for mitigating the spread

of Covid-19). Funds will also be spent for technology devices and digital platforms for

the schools, teacher professional development, programs for Social Emotional support

for students and staff. Funds will also be utilized for safety cameras on buses and

security officers at schools. At least 20% of these funds must be used for instructional

initiatives to address impacts from the pandemic.