ESSER/Section 11t
What is ESSER?
The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund is part of the United States Education Department's Educational Stabilization Fund Program that awards grants to schools for the purpose of providing school districts with emergency funds to address the impact that the Novel Coronavirus Disease has had and continues to have on Elementary and Secondary Schools. For more information, please visit the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Cares Act and Coronavirus Relied Fund Information page.
Equalization Payments (Section 11t), outlines the use of federal discretionary funds within the American Rescue Plan ESSER III. For more information, please review the Timelines, Funding for American Rescue Plan (ARP), and Section 11t Equalization - Memo COVID -19-208 - dated October 14, 2021.
CARES Act and Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Information
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, several new federal revenue sources made available by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act are available to school districts. This webpage contains information, including links to program guidance and systems handling application, certification, and/or reporting where applicable, and will be updated frequently as new information becomes available.
Financial accounting guidance for all new funding sources and for transactions that are new or different than those made in a typical year can be accessed here.
Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF)
November 20, 2020 MDE Memo: CRF Allowable Uses and Documentation Requirements
11p - School Aid CRF
In August 2020 State School Aid payments, districts will receive a new allowance line item called “11p – CORONAVIRUS RELIEF FUNDS” equating to $350 per pupil. Although these funds are coming through State Aid, they are restricted federal funds (making up a portion of Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) (CFDA 21.019) usage authorized by Public Act 146 of 2020 signed into law on July 31, 2020).
103(2) - District COVID Costs
In July 2020 State School Aid payments (with small adjustments possible in August 2020), districts will receive a new allowance line item called “103(2) - DISTRICT COVID COSTS” equating to approximately $12.32 per pupil. Although these funds are coming through State Aid, they are restricted federal funds (making up a portion of Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) (CFDA 21.019) usage authorized by Public Act 123 of 2020 signed into law on July 1, 2020).
Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Funds - Education Stabilization Fund
The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund, part of the United States Education Department’s (USED) Educational Stabilization Fund Program awards grants to state educational agencies (SEAs) for the purpose of providing local educational agencies (LEAs), including charter schools, with emergency relief funds to address the impact that Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools across the nation. LEAs must provide equitable services to students and teachers in non-public schools as required under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
ESSER Education Stabilization Fund Important Information
Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Funds - Education Equity Fund
The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund, part of the United States Education Department’s (USED) Educational Stabilization Fund Program awards grants to state educational agencies (SEAs) for the purpose of providing local educational agencies (LEAs), including charter schools, with emergency relief funds to address the impact that Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools across the nation. Nine and a half percent (9.5%) of the Michigan SEA ESSER fund is being designated to create an education equity fund to provide targeted funding to reduce the digital divide and support student mental health in Michigan’s highest need school communities. District’s will be eligible to apply for an amount up to 20 percent of their ESSER Formula allocation for the purpose of:
1. Purchasing educational technology (including hardware, software, and connectivity) for students who are served by the local educational agency that aids in regular and substantive educational interaction between students and their classroom instructors, including low-income students and students with disabilities, which may include assistive technology or adaptive equipment.
2. Providing mental health services and supports.
ESSER Education Equity Fund Important Information
ESSER Education Equity Fund Technical Assistance Webinar
Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund Grant
On behalf of the Governor’s Office, MDE is administering the GEER Fund formula grant application totaling $60,000,000 of available funds for grant awards to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) that provide services to districts with more than 50 percent economically disadvantages students. Michigan was awarded a Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund grant for the purpose of providing local educational agencies (LEAs), institutions of higher education (IHEs), and other education-related entities with emergency assistance as a result of the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).