Scranton School District reviews $35M ESSER fund investments for recovery and safety upgrades
February 26, 2024 | Scranton SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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The Scranton School District held a work session on February 26, 2024, focusing on the review and allocation of ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds, as well as upcoming grant opportunities. The meeting was led by Mister Laffey, who provided a comprehensive overview of the district's utilization of ESSER 1, 2, and 3 funds.
The session began with a recap of the ESSER 1 grant, which totaled nearly $4 million. Approximately 50% of these funds were allocated for student devices, specifically Chromebooks, to support virtual and hybrid learning during the pandemic. Additionally, funds were used to upgrade HVAC systems at Northeast Intermediate School and to cover summer abatement projects.
Next, Laffey discussed the ESSER 2 funds, amounting to almost $17.7 million. A significant portion, around $6.2 million, was allocated for salaries and benefits, allowing the district to redirect general fund expenses to support the renovation of Robert Morris School and various facility improvements, including roof upgrades and HVAC enhancements at multiple schools.
The largest allocation, ESSER 3, totaled approximately $35.8 million. Laffey highlighted key investments, including $5.3 million for salaries and benefits related to new cyber and STEM programs, and $3.9 million for district-wide HVAC projects. The district also updated curriculum materials and invested in technology for the STEM program, with total expenses projected to grow significantly in the coming months.
As of late February, the district reported an unencumbered balance of $11.6 million in ESSER 3 funds, which must be obligated by September 30, 2024. Laffey noted that the administration is exploring options for these funds, including potential investments in technology and safety improvements.
The meeting also covered upcoming grant opportunities, including a non-competitive mental health grant of $223,000 and a competitive school safety grant with a maximum award of $450,000 aimed at upgrading exterior doors across district buildings. Other grants discussed included a School Facility Improvement Grant Program and an environmental repair grant, both of which require matching funds.
In conclusion, the Scranton School District is actively managing its ESSER funds and pursuing additional grants to enhance educational facilities and programs. The administration is committed to making strategic investments that align with the district's recovery and improvement plans. Further discussions on these initiatives are expected in upcoming meetings.
The session began with a recap of the ESSER 1 grant, which totaled nearly $4 million. Approximately 50% of these funds were allocated for student devices, specifically Chromebooks, to support virtual and hybrid learning during the pandemic. Additionally, funds were used to upgrade HVAC systems at Northeast Intermediate School and to cover summer abatement projects.
Next, Laffey discussed the ESSER 2 funds, amounting to almost $17.7 million. A significant portion, around $6.2 million, was allocated for salaries and benefits, allowing the district to redirect general fund expenses to support the renovation of Robert Morris School and various facility improvements, including roof upgrades and HVAC enhancements at multiple schools.
The largest allocation, ESSER 3, totaled approximately $35.8 million. Laffey highlighted key investments, including $5.3 million for salaries and benefits related to new cyber and STEM programs, and $3.9 million for district-wide HVAC projects. The district also updated curriculum materials and invested in technology for the STEM program, with total expenses projected to grow significantly in the coming months.
As of late February, the district reported an unencumbered balance of $11.6 million in ESSER 3 funds, which must be obligated by September 30, 2024. Laffey noted that the administration is exploring options for these funds, including potential investments in technology and safety improvements.
The meeting also covered upcoming grant opportunities, including a non-competitive mental health grant of $223,000 and a competitive school safety grant with a maximum award of $450,000 aimed at upgrading exterior doors across district buildings. Other grants discussed included a School Facility Improvement Grant Program and an environmental repair grant, both of which require matching funds.
In conclusion, the Scranton School District is actively managing its ESSER funds and pursuing additional grants to enhance educational facilities and programs. The administration is committed to making strategic investments that align with the district's recovery and improvement plans. Further discussions on these initiatives are expected in upcoming meetings.
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