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Your guide to
K-12 ESSER funding

What is ESSER?
ESSER stands for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, a federal program administered by the Department of Education in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides emergency financial assistance to public school districts across the country.
K-12 institutions may use ESSER funding to address pandemic learning loss and invest in infrastructure and programs to open and operate safely.
To date, the government has signed three ESSER packages into law, totaling $189.5 billion:
  • ESSER I was approved in March 2020 for $13.5 billion

  • ESSER II was approved December 2020 for $54.3 billion

  • ESSER III was approved in March 2021 for $123 billion

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ESSER purchasing requirements (Click here to search another state)

Select your state to learn more about its ESSER purchasing rules and regulations, including available purchasing contracts.

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What can ESSER funds be used for?
The government stipulates that ESSER funds may be used to prevent, prepare for and respond to COVID-19. Districts must use at least 20 percent of ESSER funding to address learning loss through evidence-based interventions.
This leaves open a wide range of uses, including:
  • Investing in furniture and equipment to keep teachers, students and staff safe and/or distanced during in-person instruction, such as individual desks and mobile chairs, tabletop screens and PPE.

  • Investing in outdoor furniture and equipment to account for an increase in outdoor activities and dining, such as picnic tables, benches and portable sinks.

  • Hiring additional personnel to keep school spaces safe and clean, such as nurses and custodians.

  • Purchasing health and safety equipment to help prevent the spread of disease, such as air purifiers, sanitation stations and universal cleaners.

  • Investing in educational technology and remote learning tools, including hardware like headphones, software and connectivity to support student learning.

  • Purchasing furniture and equipment to implement before and after-school enrichment programs, including table and chair sets.

  • Hiring additional educators and support staff.

  • Purchasing adaptive furniture and equipment to support students with special needs.

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Is my school eligible for ESSER funding?
Every school within a district, regardless of its Title I status, is eligible to receive ESSER funding. Charter schools that belong to LEAs (local educational agencies) are eligible to receive ESSER funding as well.
How can my school apply for ESSER funding?
School districts may apply for ESSER funding through their state educational agency, or SEA. “An SEA is the agency primarily responsible for the State supervision of public elementary schools and secondary schools.” For example: the Ohio Department of Education is the SEA in Ohio. The Wisconsin Department of Institution is the SEA in Wisconsin.
SEA’s in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia apply directly to the Department of Education for ESSER funds and are responsible for allocating the funds to relevant school districts.
When do ESSER funds expire?
School districts have a limited time to spend ESSER funds. Each round of ESSER money has a specific deadline for use, or “period of availability”:

Tier 1

ESSER I funds are available for use until September 30, 2022

Tier 2

ESSER II funds are available for use until September 30, 2023

Tier 3

ESSER III funds are available for use until September 30, 2024

ESSER funds must be liquidated within 120 calendar days after the end of the availability period.
Resources
Explore our expert resources to learn how ESSER funds can be used to create school spaces that not only keep students and staff safe but address issues like learning loss and mental health.
27 Ways You Can Use Your
ESSER Funds
A handy guide on how schools can use ESSER Funds in school spaces.
School Spaces to Assist with Mental Health
A webinar discussion on how school spaces can be outfitted to promote better mental health.
5 Practical Ways Schools Can Promote Mental Health
A simple guide to designing school spaces that can improve students’ mental outlook post COVID.
Prioritizing Health Benefits with Fellowes Aeramax Pro School Air Purifiers
How air purifiers can help keep students and staff safe year-round.
The Best Places To Host Effective High-Dosage Tutoring Sessions
Our top places to host high-dosage tutoring sessions in to address unfinished learning.
Complete Classroom Designs
Start brainstorming ways you can upgrade your school space by browsing our digital catalog of pre-designed rooms.
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Ready to speak with a project expert? Call 1-800-260-2776 or
with a specialist now.
Ways we can help
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Expert Consultation
We'll help plan your spaces around your specific educational goals.
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Project Management
We'll use a proven process to seamlessly handle every step of your project, no matter its size.
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After-Order Care
We'll thoughtfully manage your after-order logistics like delivery and installation.
Ready to speak with a project expert?
Call 1-800-260-2776 or
with a specialist now.
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