SCS ESSER Funding
I am extremely appreciative of stakeholder support. The synergy and transparency between the Superintendent, Board Members, teachers, students, parents, and community stakeholders were evident in the District’s ability to achieve the great feats accomplished this school year, including having more than 99.9% of our educators return to classrooms when requested and over 92% of students test in-person for state assessments. The consistent and effective use of communication tools such as timely Board briefings, surveys, newsletters, local and national news, e-mails, text messages, and virtual community meetings allowed all stakeholders to remain informed and focused during this critical time.
In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, Congress directed much-needed aid to local education agencies via the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund. The federal relief funding is a significant opportunity for school districts to accelerate student achievement. Outcomes achieved over these four years can set a policy and investment foundation for years to come. As our commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement, I have full confidence that our Finance team will continue to ensure maximization of, good stewardship of, and efficient execution of all COVID-19 financial resources.
Please make no mistake about it, the context for next school year is just as challenging as the last school year. Our number one priority was and continues to be keeping our students and staff safe. However, we must make significant progress towards addressing the learning opportunities that resulted from our pandemic response efforts during the 2020-2021 school year. Our students have lost a lot to this pandemic - family members, irreplaceable childhood experiences, and several months of in-person instruction. There is a lot of ground to make up.
Despite the daunting odds facing our students, we are certain that with ESSER resources and our Reimagining 901 plan, we will declare victory for children. Our research-based strategies include, but are not limited to, reduced adult to student ratios, increased tutoring supports, increased social-emotional supports, and enhanced teacher professional development with accountability measures.
The time is now for accelerated change and a sense of urgency. Visit scsk12.org/esser for updates.
Click here to review the District's ESSER plan/strategies.
|