SBSD Recovery Planning and ESSER Funds Information
Over the next three school years, the South Burlington School District will receive federal funds for educational recovery in order to build back from the pandemic. These are one-time funds for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) provided for by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020. This fact sheet from the U.S. Department of Education describes the funds and the differences between each type.The ESSER allocation received by each district is determined in part by the number of families living in poverty within the district.
SBSD COVID Eligible Expenses: Salaries and Benefits (e.g., VTVLC, Temperature Takers), Phone and Internet for remote learning, Tent Rentals for outdoor classrooms, General Supplies (PPE, cleaning supplies, Website subscriptions like Zoom and others, air purifiers, thermometers), bus fuel for delivery of meals, Program Supplies (e.g., camp chairs for students), Furniture and Office Equipment for new administrative offices at 577 Dorset Street.
This video that explains the SBSD's proposed uses of these funds
You can find more detailed information about the proposals from January 2022 in these slides
You can review a summary of our major investment priorities here
See details on the uses of ARP ESSER I, II, and III Grants
Find our June 1, 2022 Updated Presentation on ESSER here
You can also view the SBSD's Recovery Plan Phases I, II, and III here
What is Title I Part A?
Recovery Planning
Title I, Part A is a Consolidated Federal Program with the purpose of providing all children a significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education, and to close educational achievement gaps.
SBSD has three schools (South Burlington High School, Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School, and Gertrude Chamberlin School) that are eligible for Targeted Assistance funding through Title I. Currently, those funds are being applied to provide supplemental literacy and math instruction. See the presentation from GCS, RMCS. Orchard, FHTMS, and SBHS on this document.
The state education recovery plan focuses on three areas:
1. Social-emotional learning
2. Student engagement
3. Academic achievement and success
All Vermont school districts were asked to complete a Needs Assessment by April 15, 2021. Our Initial needs assessment is linked above. You can also check out our Vermont Education Recovery Plan from May 28, 2021. This initial plan, which was developed by a working group of eleven staff and community partners in time for a June 1, 2021 deadline, allows the District to access ARP/ESSER funds and is based on the initial needs assessment which relied on performance, perception, and participation data from students, staff and parents.
The District submitted our Phase II Educational Recovery Plan in September 2021 to the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE). We also have a Modified Phase II Recovery Plan that incorporates updates and feedback.
The District submitted our Phase III Recovery Plan in the Spring of 2022 to the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE)
Meaningful Consultation
As the process moved forward, we sought feedback from stakeholders.Thanks to all who filled out our SBSD ARP ESSER Community Engagement Survey which closed December 1, 2021 as well as our Recovery Planning Community Engagement Survey which closed May 15, 2022.
Response Implementation Plan
It is important to note that the Educational Recovery Plan will be updated over the next school years in order to leverage ESSER funds to respond to our students’ and families’ ongoing needs. Over the past school year, the District created opportunities for meaningful consultation and stakeholder engagement which can be reviewed here. Stakeholder groups included those representing the interests of children with disabilities, English learners, children experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, migratory students, and other under-served students or historically marginalized groups.
Timeline:
January- June 2021:
Recovery Plan Phase I submitted to the Vermont Agency of Education April 15th, 2021
Recovery Plan Phase II submitted to the Vermont Agency of Education June 1, 2021
ESSER I Stakeholder Engagement
ESSER I Investments approved by Superintendent
Work to implement Recovery Plan strategies (ongoing)
July- October 2021:
ESSER II & ARP ESSER III Meaningful Consultation & Stakeholder Engagement
ESSER II investments approved by Superintendent and plan amendments as needed
Work to implement Recovery Plan strategies (ongoing)
December 2021-Present
ARP ESSER III Meaningful Consultation & Stakeholder Engagement
ARP ESSER III investments approved by Superintendent and plan amendments as needed
ARP ESSER III SBSD Public ESSER Plan
Work to implement Recovery Plan strategies (ongoing)
Want to Learn More about These Funds?
Check out this COVID-19 Federal Funding Presentation overview by Jill Briggs Campbell, COVID-19 Federal Emergency Funds Project Manager plus helpful video below