ESSER
In response to COVID-19, the U.S. Congress passed several pieces of legislation that sent billions of dollars in relief funds to states. Tennessee received, in total, $4.2 billion to be spent on schools across the state in three phases. This is known as the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, and for the third phase that was included in the American Rescue Plan, Giles County School System has been awarded $7,695,740.98.
This funding will help Giles County School System address the impact that the pandemic has had – and continues to have – on our schools and students. Districts across the state identified approaches to lessen the effect of the pandemic, as well as how to provide relief from the lasting effects of COVID-19. Giles County School System has identified areas of focus for student success within the parameters set forth by Congress and the Department of Education at the federal and state level.
Funding Priorities
The legislation that created ESSER 3.0 outlines several requirements that districts must meet or follow to allocate and spend the funding, which includes reserving at least 20 percent of funds to accelerate learning progress for students.
With input from district staff, parents, and key stakeholders, the GCSS has identified priorities areas for these funds that are aligned with Tennessee's Best For All strategic plan:
- Student Readiness
- Academics
- Educators
- Foundational Elements
Public ESSER Documents
- ESSER 3.0 Public Spending Plan Addenda
- ESSER 3.0 Health and Safety Plan Addenda
- ESSER 3.0 Public Plan
- ESSER 3.0 Community Engagement Checklist
- ESSER 3.0 Health and Safety Plan
- ESSER 3.0 Needs Assessment
- ESSER Spending Plans (1.0, 2.0, AND 3.0)
- Public Plan for Remaining Funds Addendum (September, 2023) English
- Public Plan for Remaining Funds Addendum (September, 2023) Spanish
- Health and Safety Plan Addendum (September, 2023) English
- Health and Safety Plan Addendum (September, 2023) Spanish
ESSER 3.0 Public Spending Plan Addenda
ESSER 3.0 Health and Safety Plan Addenda
ESSER 3.0 Public Plan
ESSER 3.0 Community Engagement Checklist
ESSER 3.0 Health and Safety Plan
ESSER 3.0 Needs Assessment
ESSER Spending Plans (1.0, 2.0, AND 3.0)
Public Plan for Remaining Funds Addendum (September, 2023) English
Public Plan for Remaining Funds Addendum (September, 2023) Spanish
Health and Safety Plan Addendum (September, 2023) English
Health and Safety Plan Addendum (September, 2023) Spanish
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where do ESSER funds come from?
- How does the State determine the amount of funding districts receive?
- How many ESSER grants has GCSS received?
- How were previous ESSER grants spent?
- What are allowable uses of ESSER 3.0 funds?