CARES Act Funding
ESSERF & GEER
ESSERF
Purpose
13.5 billion dollars has been allotted through the Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Fund (ESSERF) with the purpose of providing immediate assistance for costs associated with the current pandemic crisis.
90% of ESSER funding will be allocated to School districts using the current formula for Title I. The additional 10% will be used at the discretion of the State Education Agency. Visit your state’s Department of Education website for more information on the funds available in your state and district.
*As of June 25th’s Interim Final Rule (IFR), LEA’s may decide if ESSER funds will be allotted on a per student basis, or consistent with Title I proportional allotments. Contact your LEA to see how this new ruling may effect your funding allotment.
More on the Interim Final Rule
Questions? Contact us.
Elements of Friendzy that ESSERF may be used to fund
The Friendzy SEL program provides vital social and emotional structure and support to students in the midst of as well as directly following the COVID-19 crisis. Social-Emotional learning also supports and enhances mental health in students, especially at-risk students who have experienced trauma and hardship related to COVID-19.
All ideologically neutral components of the Friendzy SEL program fall under the following allowable uses of the ESSERF.
(1.) Any activity authorized by the ESEA of 1965, including the Native Hawaiian Education Act and the Alaska Native Educational Equity, Support, and Assistance Act (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.) (˜˜IDEA), the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.), the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.) (˜˜the Perkins Act), or subtitle B of title VII of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq.).
(3.) Providing principals and other school leaders with the resources necessary to address the needs of their individual schools.
(10.) Providing mental health services and supports.
GEER
Purpose
3 billion dollars has been allocated directly to state Governors through the Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) fund.
GEER is a formula-based relief fund to be dispersed at the discretion of state Governors in efforts to provide emergency support to SEAs, LEAs, and higher education institutions severely impacted by COVID-19. Visit your states Department of Education website to view how your Governor will be using GEER funds.
Elements of Friendzy that ESSERF may be used to fund
Visit your state’s Department of Education website and/or contact your LEA for more details on how your state is utilizing their portion of the GEER fund and if the Friendzy SEL program may qualify as an appropriate use of funds.