ESSER III Use of Funds Plan

  • The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act was enacted on March 11, 2021, and included a third round of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) funds for K-12 schools. Fort Worth ISD applied to receive $261,555,722. These funds are available from March 13, 2020, through September 30, 2024. To view Fort Worth ISD's ESSER III grant application click here.

    ESSER III funds will be used to address the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had, and continues to have, on Fort Worth ISD elementary and secondary schools. A plan for the safe return to in-person instruction and continuity of services is required. To view Fort Worth ISD's plan for the safe return to in-person instruction, click here. 

    During May and June of 2021, the District engaged in meaningful consultation with stakeholders and gave the public an opportunity to provide input on the development of the plan for ESSER III.

    Fort Worth ISD stakeholders identified the following priorities:

    • Safe and clean learning environment for students
    • Improved technology access and support for students and teachers 
    • Support for teachers and instructional support staff
    • Increased instructional resources to help support parents
    • Utilization of tutoring to address students’ learning loss and gaps
    • Increased support for building teacher capacity
    • Increased support for social, emotional, and academic learning
    • Increased wraparound services

    As of September 2021, ESSER III funds will be used to:

    SUPPORT TEACHERS

    • Reduce class size and accelerate instruction
    • Improve technology access and provide campus-based technology support
    • Hire personnel to support specialized areas and programs
    • Pay stipends to retain and recruit highly effective teachers and staff
    • Provide professional development to support instruction, build skills, and increase capacity

    PROVIDE RIGOROUS INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

    • Improve mathematics curriculum and intervention programs
    • Expand school and classroom library collections
    • Increase access to STEM materials across all elementary schools with mobile STEM labs
    • Add materials to support special education students
    • Support all content areas, including fine arts and college, career, and military readiness

    CREATE MORE TIME FOR LEARNING

    • Provide summer learning opportunities
    • Host regular Saturday academies
    • Offer additional tutoring opportunities
    • Increase TSI/SAT/ACT preparation
    • Expand afterschool programs

    EMPOWER PARENTS AND PROVIDE SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

    • Hire personnel for special programs, including family engagement
    • Develop a student re-engagement team
    • Enhance enrollment and schools of choice processes to support parents
    • Increase the number of certified counselors and social workers
    • Provide campus-based wraparound services

    OTHER PRIORITIES

    • Increase student access to blended instruction, including dual credit
    • Improve existing facilities with touchless water bottle filling stations, air purifiers, and improved HVAC systems

     

    ESSER III Use of Funds