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bette r s chools | S PR I N G 2 0 2 1
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CARES ESSER I, CARES Incentive Grants, CRRSA ESSER II, ESSER II Statewide Set-Aside, ARP ESSER III, ARP E-Rate! ……..OH, MY! A compilation of the most frequently asked questions and the best answers available at this time By Kathy Dunn, CCOSA Federal Programs Consultant Since March of 2020, Oklahoma public schools have been called upon to deliver instruction inperson, in a blended learning model, and in a fully virtual model. Schools have also been called upon to deliver meals in-person, in a bag, and on-wheels. Fortunately, Congress has realized what an unprecedented feat the nation’s schools have been asked to accomplish, and money has been appropriated to help schools meet the
challenges of educating during a pandemic, meet the social and emotional needs of students and staff, and continue to provide the student supports needed, all while weathering the economic downturn the pandemic has created. The graph below gives a timeline for the use of the federal COVID relief funds that have been appropriated, with the exception of the American Relief Program
(ARP) E-Rate funds which are held until final guidance has been written on the use of those funds. Normally in a grant program months or years might be spent writing specific guidance for the use of the funds; however, in the midst of the pandemic Congress wisely appropriated the funds to meet the immediate needs of schools, students and staff. It has at times felt like we are building the airplane while in flight!
