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 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.
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 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.
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:
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.
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.
Investing in multi-year initiatives allows schools to address systemic challenges with comprehensive solutions. Examples include:
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.
For detailed guidance, visit the Department of Education's Deadlines and Announcements page. Some key resources include:
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!