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AISD board asks state leaders to release ESSER relief directly to districts
Summary
The Austin ISD board approved a resolution urging Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Legislature and the Texas Education Agency to allocate federal CARES/ESSER relief funds directly to local education agencies without additional state restrictions or supplanting. Trustee Boswell read the resolution at the meeting; it was approved as part of the
AUSTIN — The Austin Independent School District board on Thursday approved a resolution calling on state leaders and the Texas Education Agency to allocate ESSER (elementary and secondary school emergency relief) funds directly to local school districts and to avoid additional state-imposed restrictions that could supplant local funding.
"Congress intended the money to flow directly to school districts with the understanding that school districts know their needs best and are best prepared to use those funds to make an impact to address their local needs," Trustee Boswell read as she presented the resolution, which was developed in coordination with other regional board leaders.
The resolution, introduced by Trustee Boswell, notes that Congress authorized multiple federal COVID-relief packages — the CARES Act, subsequent allocations and the American Rescue Plan — and that Texas had not yet distributed a portion of those funds to local education agencies in time for district planning. The text criticizes proposals to use federal school-relief funding to replace state education dollars and asks state officials to ensure the funds "supplement, not supplant" existing district funding.
Trustee Boswell told the board Texas districts stand to receive significant federal dollars: she cited approximately $17.9 billion for Texas schools and said Austin ISD stands to receive roughly $240 million (figures read from the resolution). The resolution asks the governor, Legislature and TEA to ensure the state does not retain or repurpose federal allocations intended for districts and to avoid adding restrictions beyond federal guidance.
The resolution was approved by the board as part of the consent agenda. Secretary Singh moved to approve the consent agenda, Trustee Zapata seconded, and the motion passed with all trustees on the dais voting in favor.
Ending — less-critical details: Trustee Boswell noted that districts plan to use ESSER funds for ventilation improvements, mental health services, targeted learning acceleration and expanded after-school and summer programs. The resolution said local leaders are best positioned to determine how to allocate those resources to address "unfinished learning" from the pandemic.
