Maryland education agencies allocated $3.4 billion in COVID relief funds for schools

In a pivotal meeting held on February 11, 2025, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) convened to discuss the allocation and impact of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, a crucial financial lifeline provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the meeting unfolded, officials highlighted the staggering total of $3.464 billion received by local education agencies (LEAs) in Maryland, aimed at mitigating the pandemic's effects on education.

The ESSER funds, distributed in three tranches, were designed to support schools in addressing the myriad challenges posed by COVID-19. The first tranche was released in April 2020, followed by additional funding through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act in December 2021, and the American Rescue Plan Act in March 2021. Together, these funds allowed LEAs to utilize approximately $3 billion specifically for educational purposes, with the stipulation that 90% of these funds be allocated directly to the schools.

During the meeting, officials provided a detailed breakdown of how these funds were utilized. A significant portion was directed towards tutoring programs, which included extended learning opportunities such as after-school sessions and summer school initiatives. The emphasis on tutoring reflects a strategic response to the learning loss experienced by students during the pandemic, with many LEAs employing a mix of teachers, college students, and retired educators to support these efforts.

The meeting also showcased a visual representation of fund allocation, revealing that while Baltimore City and Prince George's County received substantial funding, they also maintained larger balances of unspent funds. This raised questions about the effective deployment of resources and the ongoing challenges faced by these districts in fully utilizing the financial support available to them.

As the meeting concluded, the discussions underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in the use of federal funds. With the ongoing recovery from the pandemic, the MSDE remains committed to ensuring that these resources are effectively harnessed to enhance educational outcomes for all Maryland students. The insights shared during this meeting not only shed light on past expenditures but also set the stage for future initiatives aimed at fostering a resilient educational landscape in the state.