(ESSER) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief
Looking Ahead:
ESSER Grant Compliance:
The ESSER Data Collection/Annual Report Process is anticipated to begin at the beginning of March, with Email reminders to superintendents and clerks anticipated to be sent out at the end of February. The process will include:
- District review of previously submitted data (excel),
- District input data (excel), and
- District portal submission of excel file (google form).
OPI Review Process: OPI is assisting LEAs in mitigating risks to avoid audit findings by reviewing requests for funding and providing assistance with compliances. Projects/items over the threshold purchased with ESSER funds must meet Federal and State capital asset requirements and Grant allowable/reasonable guidelines. Board approval and OPI review assist in meeting these compliances. OPI Guidance is available on the ESSER Website here. Contact Wendi Fawns, ESSER Director for assistance (wendi.fawns@mt.gov)
Additional Allocations: Some allocations have been updated in E-Grants for ESSER II and III. (More information can be found here)
Schools must create an E-Grants Amendment in ESSER II and ESSER III so that the updated allocation will populate in the corresponding E-Grants budget pages.
In the amendment description you may use this template language:
- (if the budget description already exists) BUDGET AMOUNT CHANGE ONLY – additional allocation of $xx to Object Code xx
- (if adding a new budget item) Additional Allocation of $xx to Object Code xx [for the purpose of xxxxx to prepare, prevent, respond]
To view the additional funds, scroll down to view Allocation Remaining at the bottom-right of each E-Grants budget page.
Deadlines for the ESSER Grants:
- ESSER II expires September 30, 2023 - 7 months to spend down the grant
- ESSER III expires September 30, 2024 - 19 months to spend down the grant
Introducing Jessika Bol – ESSER Administrative Specialist
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- Jessika joined the ESSER team in December 2022
- Jessika moved to Montana with the goal of expanding her career through helping others. Her mom has worked for a school district for 20+ years, thus inspiring Jessika to share her passion for helping others in this field. Jessika brings with her a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. In her free time, you can find Jessika enjoying the great outdoors hunting, fishing, and spending time with her dogs and family.
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March's Virtual ESSER Guidance Sessions will focus on the Annual Federal Data Reporting process, with both walkthrough guidance sessions as well as regular office hours. Schools should be on the lookout for more Data Collection information coming soon.
Please make sure your schools’ contact information is up to date in the OPI Contacts database. For instructions for making this update please click here.
We want your feedback! Please fill out this short Google Form to tell us what YOU want to see in our monthly Compass communication. It takes just a minute, and we appreciate your input!
Many resources are available on the OPI ESSER webpage including but not limited to:
The Broadband Modernization project information can be found here: https://opi.mt.gov/COVID-19-Information/ESSER/Broadband
OPI is committed to a system of support for school districts, students, and parents throughout Montana that provides an array of services. Individual district consultation on ESSER funding is available upon request. Please reach out to Wendi Fawns at wendi.fawns@mt.gov to schedule a time for your district.
Looking Back:
The thermometer image below shows how effective Montana schools have been at spending down the ESSER funds. (This visual is updated on a monthly basis and can be found on the OPI ESSER webpage.)
Let’s keep up the great work as we finish out ESSER CRRSA II and ESSER ARP III!
District Monthly Status Reports view of allocated and expended funds can be found on the OPI ESSER webpage here.
Thank you to the Department of Education for releasing an Updated FAQs Guidance Document which is posted on the OPI ESSER Webpage.
THANK YOU to all who registered and attended the February ESSER Virtual Guidance Sessions on February 16th and 17th! Videos and slides from all past guidance sessions are posted on the OPI ESSER Webpage and YouTube channel.
For further information please contact:
Wendi Fawns, ESSER/EANS Director at wendi.fawns@mt.gov
Rebecca Brown, ESSER Program Manager at rebecca.brown@mt.gov
Questions? Contact:
Wendi Fawns, ESSER/EANS Director at wendi.fawns@mt.gov
Rebecca Brown, ESSER Program Manager at rebecca.brown@mt.gov
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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