ESSER III, the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund program authorized under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, provides additional money for local educational agencies (LEAs) to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. ESSER III supplements ESSER I, created by the CARES Act in March, 2020, and ESSER II, created by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRSSA) Act in December, 2020.
While there are specific requirements necessary to be eligible to receive this one-time nonrecurring ESSER III funding, this is a unique opportunity for school districts to capitalize on implementing activities that assess and address lost learning opportunities as a result of the pandemic, and operate schools in the safest manner possible. The term of available funding for the ESSER III grant program runs from March 13, 2020, through September 30, 2024.
The onslaught of the pandemic has not only impacted academic progress for students, it has also taken its toll on student mental and emotional well-being. The District recognizes the need to support students in numerous ways including academically, physically, socially and emotionally. Staff members have also undergone stress and anxiety as they worked hard to address the challenges and interruptions in learning that many students faced during the 2020-21 school year. Staff members continue to adjust and do their absolute best to support students and provide continuity in learning during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
This page contains all the components of the Wisconsin Rapids Public School's ESSER III Funding Plan including information on how WRPS is providing safe and effective in-person instruction and continuity of services for all students.
In September 2024 the Board of Education was provided a final Summary Report which provided an overview of how ESSER III grant funds were utilized and accounted for in conjunction with grant parameters and within established grant timelines as required.
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