In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress has passed three stimulus bills which include funding for education: the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (March 2020), the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act (December 2020), and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act (March 2021). Each stimulus bill provided funding for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund. The ESSER fund directs 90% of the total state allocation to local education agencies (LEAs) based on the Title I formula and the remaining 10% for a state reserve fund. CDE is seeking stakeholder input on the use of state ESSER funding (10%). In Colorado, this amounts to approximately $134 million that has not yet been allocated.
CDE must submit to the U.S. Department of Education a plan for the use of ESSER funds at the end of the summer. To help CDE prepare the proposal and maximize the impact of these one-time funds to advance transformational changes and directly address challenges created, exacerbated or highlighted by the pandemic, CDE wants to hear from those directly affected. Throughout June and July, CDE will be listening to students, parents, teachers, school and system leaders along with community organizations, teacher preparation program leaders and our own staff who support educators across the state.
CDE and the State Board of Education are requesting feedback through a survey and series of public meetings to ensure Colorado makes the most impactful use of federal funds to support students, teachers and schools recovering from the interruption to schools as a result of COVID-19.
