Districts may request an extension to utilize their remaining post-COVID relief grant money if approved by the U.S. Department of Education. According to federal data, school districts nationwide risk having to return millions of dollars to the U.S. Treasury if they fail to spend their allocated funds within 30 days. The Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University monitors the spending of American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, distributed by the U.S. Department of Education since 2021 to support learning recovery post-pandemic. The program, totaling $122 billion, aimed to enhance education, rebuild the educator workforce, and promote safe school operations. Most funds were allocated towards hiring additional teachers, counselors, tutors, and administrators.
Data from the Edunomics Lab revealed that nine districts have yet to seek reimbursement for over $30 million in ESSER funds. While the U.S. Department of Education confirmed it cannot extend the expenditure deadline beyond Sept. 30 or allow leftover funds to be carried over, districts can request additional time for spending if approved before the deadline, with extension requests due by Dec. 31.
Among the districts with unspent funds, Syracuse in New York utilized 68.4% of its allocation, while Clark County in Nevada spent 95.4%. Milwaukee Public Schools in Wisconsin invested in various educational resources and services, with plans to utilize the remaining funds for approved contracts and purchases in the future. Hillsborough County Public Schools in Florida allocated funds to charter schools and planned to utilize the unallocated amount for curriculum and technology enhancements. Dallas Independent School District (DISD) had unspent balances from the initial ESSER phases and intended to provide further details on their spending.
Other districts with significant unspent balances include Minneapolis, Newark, DeKalb County, and Stockton. Previous ESSER rounds saw some districts returning unspent funds, highlighting the importance of timely expenditure. As the deadline approaches, districts are urged to consider the impact of unspent funds and prioritize essential educational needs. Please provide an alternative version of the text.
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