ESSER Funds for Districts: Frequently Asked Questions
The federal government’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds have been a lifeline for school districts grappling with the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Districts are running out of time to spend this crucial funding. While the deadline to allocate funds for ESSER III is September 30, 2024, the standard spending deadline of January 31, 2025, might leave some districts scrambling.
Thankfully, the Department of Education offers a “late liquidation” option, providing some much-needed breathing room.
Keep reading to learn all you need to know to secure Esser funds for your district.
1. What’s the deadline to decide how to spend ESSER funds?
September 30, 2024. This is the critical date by which your district must finalize its plans for allocating all remaining ESSER III funds. Any unallocated funds after this date will need to be returned to the Department of Education. It’s crucial to carefully assess your district’s needs and strategically allocate these resources to address the ongoing impacts of the pandemic on your students.
2. When do ESSER funds need to be spent?
The standard deadline for spending all ESSER III funds is January 31, 2025. This means all contracted services, purchases, and programs funded by ESSER III must be completed and the funds must be liquidated (physically spent) by this date. This can feel like a tight timeframe, especially for complex projects or ongoing initiatives.
The deadline for school districts to decide how to spend their ESSER funds is called “obligation” and usually involves signing a formal agreement, like a contract. ESSER obligation dates and liquidation dates are:
School Year 22-23
- Sept 30th – ESSER I must be obligated
- Jan 28th – ESSER I liquidation
School Year 23-24
- Sept 30th – ESSER II must be obligated
- Jan 28th – ESSER II liquidation
School Year 24-25
- Sept 30th – ESSER III must be obligated
- Jan 28th – ESSER III liquidation
See Question E-3d on pages 68-69 of the December 7 FAQ for more details.
3. Can I get more time to spend ESSER funds?
Yes! Thankfully, the Department of Education offers a “late liquidation” option for districts that need additional time to spend their ESSER III funds on approved contracted services. This extension can be a lifesaver if your district has ongoing programs or contracts that extend past the standard deadline.
4. What expenses qualify for a late liquidation extension?
Only contracted services that support approved activities qualify for a late liquidation extension. These activities are specifically designed to address the learning gaps and social-emotional needs exacerbated by the pandemic. Examples include:
- Tutoring programs: Extending contracts with tutoring providers to ensure students receive ongoing academic support.
- Attendance initiatives: Funding programs or initiatives aimed at improving student attendance beyond the January 2025 deadline.
- Expanded learning programs: Securing an extension for before and after-school or summer learning programs that provide crucial support to students.
5. What can’t I use an extension for?
A late liquidation extension does not apply to all types of ESSER III spending. Here’s what you cannot use an extension for:
- Staff salaries and benefits: These ongoing personnel costs cannot be covered by extended funds.
- One-time purchases: Items like laptops, textbooks, or other equipment purchases must be completed and paid for by the standard deadline.
6. How does a liquidation extension help?
A liquidation extension provides valuable flexibility for districts. It allows you to keep essential programs running for a longer period, ensuring continued support for students. Here are some specific benefits:
- Maintain critical services: Mental health service providers, extended learning initiatives, or other ongoing programs can continue operating beyond the standard deadline.
- Maximize impact: By extending contracts, you can ensure students receive the full benefit of the program or service funded by ESSER III dollars.
- Streamline program completion: For complex projects that extend past January 2025, an extension allows for smoother project completion without disruption.
7. How to apply for a liquidation extension?
To apply for a late liquidation extension, your district needs to take proactive steps:
Gather Information
Carefully analyze your remaining ESSER III funds and identify specific contracted services that require an extension. Determine the exact amount you need extended and create a detailed justification for the request.
This justification should clearly explain how the extension will benefit students and ensure continued progress toward addressing the pandemic’s impact. Additionally, develop a spending plan that outlines how the extended funds will be used within the new timeframe.
Contact Your State Education Department
They act as intermediaries in this process. Your state education department will compile your request with others from districts across the state and submit it to the Department of Education for approval. It’s crucial to connect with your state department as soon as possible to understand their specific application process, deadlines, and required documentation.
Review Your State’s ESSER Website
Many states have established clear guidelines and application procedures for late liquidation requests. Familiarize yourself with these resources to ensure a smooth application process and avoid any delays.
8. What’s the deadline to apply for an extension?
The deadline for states to submit applications for late liquidation extensions on behalf of districts is December 31, 2024. This means your district needs to act quickly and gather all necessary information well in advance to ensure your state education department submits your application before this deadline.
9. Did districts get extensions for prior ESSER rounds?
Yes, this is a positive indicator for securing an extension for ESSER III funds. The Department of Education has a history of approving late liquidation requests. In fact, for ESSER I and ESSER II
10. Is it possible to use these funds to cover staff costs for managing the extended program?
No. Staff salaries and benefits are not eligible for extensions. This means you’ll need to factor in personnel costs when determining the amount of your extension request and ensure you have separate funding sources to cover staff time associated with managing the extended program. While ESSER funds cannot directly cover salaries for the extension period, they can be used to fund contracted services that may include some staffing support from the provider. It’s important to carefully review the terms of your contract and explore alternative funding options for staff time related to the extended program.
Don’t Lose Your ESSER Funds! Secure a Liquidation Extension for Your District.
Get more information in the official ESSER FAQ document or contact your local education agency.
