ESSER Updates
ESSER I
There are just 10 months left to obligate and spend down your ESSER I allocation. ESSER I funds must be obligated by September 30, 2022 and spent by November 10, 2022. If you do not plan to use all of the ESSER I funds, please contact Jeff Kirksey so those funds can be reallocated within the state. All funds not spent by November 10, 2022, will be returned to the Federal Government.
District ARP ESSER Plans
On November 16, 2021, all districts received OPI feedback on their District ARP ESSER plans with instructions on how to go about updating and reposting your plan. Districts will have until December 17, 2021 to update District plans and post the updates to their websites.
District Safe Return and Continuity of Service Plans
Remember that all Safe Return plans must be reviewed every six months. These plans were to be posted to school websites on June 24, 2021. OPI will be reviewing school websites for updated plans in the month of December. Please make sure that you have an up-to-date plan on your website no later than December 17, 2021. Be sure the updated plan shows the date of the last review.
Enrollment Increases and ESSER Funding:
The 2021 Legislature through HB 630 amended statute to suspend the funding of enrollment increases through the Anticipated Enrollment increase (20-9-314, MCA) and Unanticipated Enrollment Increase (20-9-166, MCA) processes. However, the legislature provided for additional payments to schools for enrollment increases during FY2022 & FY2023. Guidance and preliminary payment estimates are now available at COVID 19 ESSER HB630 Additional Payment.
Transportation and ESSER Funding Guidance:
The Department of Education has issued new guidance on the use of ESSER funds for transportation needs. This in includes use of ESSER funds to address school bus driver shortages, provide transportation to afterschool and enrichment activities, and more. Please view the guidance at: https://oese.ed.gov/files/2021/11/FAQs-Transportation.pdf If you have specific questions about transportation funding please contact Donell Rosenthal at drosenthal@mt.gov or (406) 422-0320. ESSER allowable use questions can be directed to Jeff Kirksey at jeffrey.kirksey@mt.gov or (406) 444-0783.
ESSER Questions? – If you have questions about your ESSER funds and how to use them in accordance with federal regulations reach out to the ESSER Program Manager, Jeff Kirksey at jeffrey.kirksey@mt.gov or (406) 444-0783. We are frequently adding content to the ESSER website at: https://opi.mt.gov/COVID-19-Information/ESSER
Questions? Contact:
Jeff Kirksey, ESSER Program Manager, 406-444-0783
The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, Relay Service: 711.
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