The American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) 2021 was signed into law on March 11, 2021 and provides an additional $122.8 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ARP ESSER Fund). ARP ESSER is one-time funding that must be utilized by September 30, 2023

Guadalupe School is seeking public input into the use of the ARP ESSER funds that have been allocated to the school. The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is urging schools to consider the following priorities in designing plans for the use of ARP ESSER funds:

Required:

1. A minimum of 20 percent must be used to address learning loss through programs such as summer learning or comprehensive afterschool programs

Optional:

2. Any activity authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. 
3. Any activity authorized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. 
4. Any activity authorized by the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act. 
5. Any activity authorized by the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006.
6. Coordination of preparedness and response efforts to coronavirus.
7. Activities to address the unique needs of low-income children or students, children with disabilities, English learners, racial and ethnic minorities, students experiencing homelessness, and foster care youth.
8. Improving the preparedness and response efforts to the coronavirus pandemic.
9. Training of staff on sanitation and minimizing the spread of infectious diseases.
10. Purchasing supplies to sanitize and clean the facilities.
11. Planning for, coordinating, and implementing activities during long-term closures, including meal delivery and continued educational services to all students. 
12. Purchasing educational technology (including hardware, software, and connectivity) for students, which may include assistive technology or adaptive equipment.
13. Providing mental health services and supports.
14. Planning and implementing activities related to summer learning and supplemental afterschool programs.
15. Addressing learning loss among students, by—

(i) administering high-quality assessments to monitor students’ academic progress;

(ii) implementing evidence-based activities to meet the comprehensive needs of students;

(iii) assisting families on effectively supporting students, including in a distance learning environment; and

(iv) tracking student attendance and improving student engagement in distance education.

16. School facility repairs and improvements to reduce risk of virus transmission and exposure to environmental health hazards.
17. Improving the indoor air quality in school facilities.
18. Developing strategies and protocols for the safe reopening and operation of school facilities.
19. Other activities that are necessary to maintain the operation of and continuity of services including salary continuation of staff.

If you would like to provide input as to Guadalupe’s use of these funds, please send your suggestions to info@guadschool.org by September 10, 2021.