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State officials say federal ESSER/ARPA funds are ending; McKinney‑Vento homelessness funds continue
Summary
Superintendent Crishfield told the committee that most one‑time federal COVID relief (ESSER/ARPA) funds have ended and that the state chose not to request an extension, while federal McKinney‑Vento homelessness funds remain available for district support.
Superintendent Crishfield told the committee the state and districts have largely exhausted the emergency federal COVID relief funds (ESSER/ARPA) that had been supporting many local personnel and programs. She said a previous surge of federal dollars prompted concerns that districts would become dependent on one‑time funds for ongoing personnel costs; after reviewing district uses of ESSER she determined many districts had used federal funds to pay personnel and that the state would not seek an extension from the U.S. Department of Education.
The superintendent said about 80% of districts used federal ESSER dollars in part for salary or personnel costs during the period when those funds were available. The department sent guidance to districts in 2023 advising them to plan for the end of federal funding and to phase out positions paid with one‑time dollars.
On homelessness support, the department reiterated that McKinney‑Vento federal funding remains available and is intended to help districts identify and support students experiencing homelessness, including temporary shelter or other immediate needs. Committee members asked whether any federal extension was requested; the superintendent said the state did not request an extension.
Committee members also asked about amounts remaining in districts and how ESSER funds had been used; the department indicated it could provide district‑level reports but did not provide a statewide breakdown during the hearing.
No formal committee actions were taken; members asked staff for district‑level breakdowns of ESSER spending and any remaining balances to inform appropriation decisions.
