Kansas schools received a lot of money after the pandemic. They were called Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, commonly known as “ESSER” funds. Have you ever wondered where that money was spent in local school districts?
USD 365, Anderson County received just under $718,000. Crest received $250,000. According to USD 365 Superintendent Don Blome, ESSER 2 funds were spent on summer school, after school tutoring, credit recovery, curriculum re-alignment, computers, mental health, retention incentives for staff and progress monitoring. In the Crest School District Superintendent Shane Walter says the vast majority of ESSER 2 Funds went to additional staffing, adding teachers, aides, and custodial staff. They also operate a summer school program and after school program. He says the money was used for technology enhancements and devices for students and staff.
All the money has to be spent by September of this year. ESSER 3 Funds must be spent by September of 2024.
