Mercer County SD 404 ARP-ESSER III Funding Plan

Congress' last COVID-19 relief bill passed and was signed into law by President Joe Biden. It included $122.8 billion for K-12 under the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund.

Mercer County SD 404 worked with parents, staff, and our local health department to develop a plan that adheres to the guidance in consideration of our local conditions. Public input has been gathered at community forums and through public participation at local board meetings. District staff review current guidance regularly and request the Board of Education review and approve any changes as needed.

Total funds awarded are $2,032,520 broken into four required areas:

 

Learning Loss – $445,000 (minimum 20% of total allocation)

Tutoring and Assessment- $65,997

Summer Enrichment - $13,199

After School Programs - $13,199

Other Allowable Use of Funds - $1,495,125

 

Mercer County Schools will utilize funds for general needs to address a variety of issues, including:

• $275,000 to address learning loss through summer school and tutoring programs that include transportation as well as meals or snacks.

• $30,000 for supplies for enhanced cleaning including PPE, sanitation training and professional development to limit spread of disease.

• $95,000 for technology supports to meet the needs of marginalized students, including students with disabilities, English learners, homeless students and others.

• $65,000 for providing mental health services.

• $215,000 for purchasing and administering assessments.

• $200,000 to attract and retain high quality educators.

• $1,150,000 for improving indoor air quality at New Boston Elementary with new construction, expanding Apollo Elementary, and repairing other facilities.

All expenditures are contingent upon a successful grant application and amendment process. Grant funds are due to expire September 30, 2024. Additional input on this plan may be

submitted to farquert@mercerschools.org, or by calling 309.582.2238 for input, comments, suggestions, and questions.