November 22, 2022

The staff of AESA is very grateful for the dedicated support and generous gifts of talent and support that AESA receives from our membership, the Executive Council, our business partners, and the many sponsors.

We wish you a peaceful Thanksgiving where ever you are and we hope the holidays ahead will be filled with moments that bring you joy!

Legislative Updates

Congress Asks Cardona For Late Liquidation Guidance

This week, members of Congress sent a letter to Secretary Cardona urging the Department to issue guidance on how school districts can utilize late liquidation flexibility under the American Rescue Plan to ensure construction and HVAC projects, mental health supports, and learning recovery and tutoring programs can continue to be funded through December 2026.

The Department has been reluctant to give any indication they are open to a process that will allow districts to know in a timely manner whether pandemic-related contracts can be extended, which has significantly delayed districts’ ability to obligate funds for significant construction projects and facility upgrades.

AESA appreciates this letter led by Rep. Kuster (D-NH), and her willingness to send the request for expedited guidance to Cardona especially since Democratic leadership has been urging members of Congress to stay off the letter.

Cardona Issues New Guidance On Prioritizing Dual Enrollment, Apprenticeships, with ARP Funds

The U.S. Department of Education released new guidance that encourages schools to use unspent COVID relief money to expand various career options for students: dual enrollment programs, college advising, registered apprenticeships, and industry-based credentials.

The guidance reminds districts that they can use ESSER funds to expand access to and participation in dual enrollment, particularly for those students who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This includes using ESSER funding for tuition assistance and stipends to teachers so that they can complete the education and training required to meet postsecondary credentialing requirements for teaching dual enrollment courses.
In addition, LEAs can use ESSER funds to facilitate participation in work-based learning by paying for student transportation or other costs associated with worksite placements, such as tools and uniforms as well as hiring work-based learning coordinators.

The guidance contains examples of how districts are utilizing ESSER funds for these purposes.

USDA Launches $50 Million Grant Program

For Schools & Food Industry to Team Up to Strengthen School Meals

Last week, USDA launched a $50 million grant opportunity to support collaboration with the food industry to develop nutritious, appetizing school meals for students. This grant program—The School Food System Transformation Challenge—is part of the larger Healthy Meals Incentive Initiative.

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service will select up to four non-governmental organizations to manage funds for the School Food System Transformation Challenge. These organizations will then award competitive grants to support and enhance the food supply chain for K-12 schools. Grantees may include food producers, suppliers, and distributors; school districts; and community partners. The grants will support schools’ ability to access a wider variety of healthy, appealing products and promote innovation by food producers and suppliers, including local producers and small and disadvantaged businesses.

The initiative was part of the commitments made in the administration’s National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health.

Professional Learning Opportunities

We look forward to seeing you next week!

Join us next week in Atlanta. Registration for the Annual Conference is still open. Join us!

Annual Conference Website

New Workshop!

If your ESA or your partner districts are looking to learn from a proven leader in student-centered learning, then join this virtual 5-part series with Dr. Campbell, CEO of Scholar First. Starts in January!

Leading Student-Centered Systems