ESSER GRANTS & SAFE RETURN TO IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION

FALL 2021 OPENING OF SCHOOL

​The FWSU schools will re-open for the 2021-2022 school year following the guidelines provided by the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE).  Since the state of emergency has been lifted, we will return to a normal regulatory framework for operating schools beginning on the first day of school, August 25, 2021.

We remain committed to providing the most up-to-date information, ongoing guidance, and resources to our families.  We hope you will find the information you need here.

GRANT FUNDING

Franklin West Supervisory Union has and will receive funding through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). ESSER funds will be distributed in three allocations coming from three different Acts.

What is ESSER?

WHAT DOES ESSER STAND FOR & WHAT ARE THESE GRANTS ALL ABOUT?

The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund is a federal formula grant managed by the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE). Non-recurring, emergency aid sub-grants are being allocated by the AOE to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) by formula based on Title I, Part A allocations - Franklin West Supervisory Union is one of those LEAs. Funds are broken down into three parts: ESSER I, ESSER II, and ESSER III. These grants are considered one-time funds.

WHAT IS TITLE 1, PART A?

Title I, Part A is a Consolidated Federal Program with the purpose of providing all children a significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education, and to close educational achievement gaps. FWSU receives Title I funding each year.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT ESSER TYPES & HOW MUCH HAS FWSU BEEN ALLOCATED?

Click the links to learn more about:

  • ESSER I, also known as Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) ESSER funds. FWSU allocation: $222,867

  • ESSER II, an expansion of CARES ESSER funds and with the addition of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRPSA) funds. FWSU allocation: $971,345

  • ESSER III, also known as the American Rescue Plan (ARP) ESSER funds. FWSU allocation: $2,175,544

This U.S. Department of Education Fact Sheet further describes

ESSER funds and the difference between each type.

Up Next: ESSER III - Meaningful Consultation

WHAT IS 'MEANINGFUL CONSULTATION'?

A major component of how FWSU will spend ESSER III funds will depend on the feedback received on plans built by the administrative team. The administrative team will intentionally seek feedback from FWSU families of BIPOC students, students on IEPs, and English Language Learners (ELL).

HOW YOU CAN ENGAGE IN ​THIS PROCESS:

  1. Review this document that outlines the limitations and opportunities for how to spend ESSER III funds. 
     

  2. Review our ARP/ESSER III public Plan. 
     

  3. Provide feedback on possible investments/strategies as well as add additional suggestions. Google Survey Here
     

  4. Attend Board Presentations:

  • GEMS - Tuesday, March 8th, 2022

  • FES - Tuesday, March 15, 2022

  • BFA - Monday, Mar 14, 2022

This survey was sent to All FWSU community members on Mar 4, 2022

COVID-19 MESSAGES TO THE COMMUNITY

Please refer to our COVID - 19 for the most
up-to-date messages involving COVID-19.

AOE