State seeks input on ARP-ESSER state-reserve priorities; early emphasis on learning-loss, summer enrichment and mental health

The department briefed the board on the development of the state—s ARP-ESSER (American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) state-reserve plan, including stakeholder input, preliminary priorities and an extension of the federal submission deadline to June 25.

Plan purpose and funding Officials said the state must submit a plan describing how it will use its state-reserve portion of ARP-ESSER funds. The department described a planning process that solicited input via an online survey (about 2,500 stakeholder responses) and stakeholder convenings; the state report must address how funds will accelerate safe in-person instruction, address learning loss, and ensure equitable use of federal relief dollars.

Emerging priorities from stakeholder input - Academic impact and learning loss: respondents favored summer learning camps and pilot projects specifically targeted at early-grade literacy interventions. - Summer enrichment and after-school: respondents requested community-based programming and flexible models so parents could work while students receive services. - Mental health and social-emotional supports: stakeholders repeatedly highlighted student mental health and also urged supports for school staff. - Evidence-based pilot projects: the department said respondents recommended grants for local experiments and seed funding for programs that can be scaled.

Process and deadlines The department said an initial draft had been due to the U.S. Department of Education on June 7 but the state obtained an extension until June 25 to align proposals with the state strategic plan and to incorporate additional stakeholder feedback. Staff stressed the need to align state reserve uses with LEA needs and federal requirements (e.g., allowable uses like summer programs, tutoring, mental health supports).

Why it matters: ARP-ESSER state-reserve funds are sizable and can be directed to scale programs addressing pandemic-related learning interruption, mental-health services and extended learning time. The department said it will propose grant mechanisms and seek partnerships with community organizations to deliver summer and after-school services.

Quotes (from the meeting record) - "The purpose is for reopening schools to in-person instruction," a presenter said. "We—re looking at early-grade literacy, mental-health needs and community-based summer enrichment."

Ending The department said it will refine its proposal based on stakeholder input, align language with the state strategic plan, and submit a state-reserve plan to the U.S. Department of Education by the extended June 25 deadline. It expects to issue competitive or formula grants to LEAs and community partners to implement summer, after-school and mental-health programs.