PDE receives accountability waiver, announces ESSER fund allocations
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has received approval from the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) for its request for a waiver from the accountability, school identification, and related reporting requirements for the 2020-21 school year.
In addition, PDE recently announced that the state will receive $4.9 billion in federal non-recurring relief funds under the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) Fund. At least 90%, or $4.5 billion, of the funds will flow to school districts and charter schools, with each entity receiving an amount proportional to the federal Title I-A funds received in 2020 under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). At least 20% of this money must be used to address learning loss and the social, emotional, and academic needs of underrepresented students.
School districts will be able to apply for ARP ESSER funds through the eGrants system. Funds must be used by September 2024. Click here to see the list of ESSER III fund allocations to schools; Click here to see PDE’s guidance on funding.
Learn more about these issues and what you need to do by joining PSBA along with officials from USDE and PDE on April 6 from 4:00-5:00 p.m. for Pandemic Funding: The Rules, Regulations, uses and Best Methods to Utilize Federal Funds. Register now for this complimentary member webinar.