The Future of Education Funding: Making the Most of the ARP ESSER III Liquidation Extension

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) introduced the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) funds, becoming a vital lifeline for educational institutions grappling with the pandemic's challenges.

In a significant move, the U.S. Department of Education has announced extensions for the liquidation of these crucial funds. This decision opens avenues for more flexible and impactful resource deployment to foster educational recovery and enrichment.

The Importance of the Extension

Extended Support and Strategic Application

The extension provides educational institutions with the essential additional time to allocate these funds strategically toward impactful, evidence-based learning strategies. This isn't merely about extending fund usage but maximizing their potential to enrich educational programs substantially.

Promoting Student Success

At the heart of this extension is the commitment to enhancing student success. By extending the timeline for initiatives, especially those addressing learning loss through out-of-school time programs, the extension is a strategic move toward academic excellence.

Navigating the Extension Process

Understanding Obligation and Liquidation

Navigating the ARP funds' extension involves understanding two key terms: "obligation" and "liquidation." By September 30, 2024, institutions must obligate (commit) ARP funds to specific projects. Following this, a 120-day automatic liquidation (spending) period is provided.

An application for extension is necessary to extend beyond these 120 days. If granted, they can liquidate (spend) funds through March 2026, offering ample time to thoughtfully complete initiatives. This emphasizes the importance of timely applications to the Department for necessary extensions for institutions and their subgrantees.

State agencies, school districts, and other sub-recipients of ESSER III funding can request up to 14 months' extension, on a case-by-case basis, for liquidation of funds.

Application Process

Grantees are encouraged to submit liquidation extension requests by December 31, 2024.

Adhere to the Department of Education’s guidelines by including a cover letter that illustrates how the extension accelerates academic success, particularly for those in greatest need. Three evidence-based strategies that are highly encouraged include:

• Increasing daily student attendance
• Providing high-quality tutoring
• Increasing access to before, after, summer, and extended learning time

Investing in Sustainability Through Multi-Year Programs

In the wake of the ARP funds liquidation extension, a pivotal opportunity emerges for educational institutions: the chance to invest in multi-year programs that promise not just immediate relief but long-term sustainability. This strategic shift towards sustainability is crucial in ensuring that the infusion of ESSER funds into the educational ecosystem yields lasting benefits.

Strategic Planning for Longevity

The extension offers schools a unique window to plan beyond the immediate academic year, allowing them to lay the groundwork for programs that extend over several years. This forward-thinking approach enables institutions to move from reactive solutions to proactive, strategic investments in education quality and equity.

Sustainable Investments

Investing in multi-year initiatives allows schools to address systemic challenges with comprehensive solutions. Examples include:

• After-School Programs: These programs can offer a mix of academic support, enrichment activities, and social-emotional learning opportunities. Sustainable investment in after-school programming can lead to improved academic performance, better school attendance, and stronger social skills among participants.
• Summer Learning Programs: Summer programs can mitigate learning loss and provide educational and emotional support continuity. Investing in sustainable summer learning initiatives ensures students have access to enriching educational experiences year-round, preventing summer slide and promoting readiness for the next academic year.
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs: Implementing SEL initiatives that support student well-being over time, recognizing that the benefits of these programs accumulate and become more pronounced with sustained effort.
• Professional Development Programs: Building teacher capacity over several years to enhance instructional quality and adaptability.

In Summary

The extension of ARP funds' liquidation deadline marks a pivotal moment for the educational community. It offers a strategic lifeline to enhance student support mechanisms and presents an opportunity for educational organizations to maximize resources and enrich every student's academic journey.

Resources and Further Assistance

For detailed guidance, visit the Department of Education's Deadlines and Announcements page. Some key resources include:

• Extension Announcement Letter
• FAQs
• Extension Request Template

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education hosted an ARP Liquidation Extension Webinar.

Know you're not alone in navigating the opportunities presented by the ARP funds' liquidation extension. Our team at ProSolve is here to serve as a pivotal resource, guiding and supporting educational institutions through this process.

To enhance your initiatives and fully utilize ARP funds for out-of-school time programs, consider incorporating QUEST Adventures. This program, designed for K-8 students, offers a CASEL-aligned Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum. It's crafted to engage students in immersive learning experiences and helps them effectively build, apply, and transfer SEL skills. With a focus on bolstering academic performance, improving attendance, and fostering better behavior, QUEST Adventures represents a strategic investment in sustainable educational programming.

Learn more about how QUEST Adventures aligns with ESSER III goals; download our free alignment guide today!