ARP ESSER III funds will be used to implement prevention and mitigation strategies that are, to the greatest extent practicable, consistent with the most recent CDC guidance on reopening schools, in order to continuously and safely open and operate schools for in-person learning.

Mesquite ISD will continue the prevention and mitigation strategies that we implemented during the 2020-21 school year with continued processes for the 2021-22 school year with the support from the ARP ESSER III funds, including but not limited to social distancing, to hand sanitizer at entry points and in all classrooms, sanitizing surfaces in classrooms and high touch areas throughout the day, materials for sanitizing surfaces available to staff, mask and shields at reception areas, and the implementation of our Bipolar Ionization HVAC system districtwide. Staff will continue to monitor students for attendance and/or symptoms.  Health Services will continue to monitor CDC and state guidelines for continuous updates.

The District will address the academic impact of lost instructional time through the implementation of evidence-based interventions, such as summer learning or summer enrichment, extended day, and comprehensive after school programs. 

Mesquite ISD will utilize the 20% set aside of ESSER III funds for learning loss and the academic impact of lost instructional time by paying teacher stipends for during the day as well as extended day learning for students identified as needing support in their core subject areas of math, reading, social studies and science. MISD will pay teacher stipends for teaching summer school for identified students. Teaching and Learning will purchase research-based materials for intervention and acceleration.

MISD will provide a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum for all classrooms, which includes the necessary training for school counselors, teachers, and administrators on the integration of the SEL curriculum. MISD will also be providing additional mental health resources for staff.

MISD’s 1:1 initiative supports our students’ academic needs both in school and at home with the implementation of technology. The district provides an iPad or Chromebook for every student and a hotspot to families who are in need of internet services. Technology programs to encourage student engagement in instruction, as well as tools to enhance learning recovery, are purchased for teachers to meet the needs of their classrooms. Teachers are provided professional learning on the use of these tools with a focus on addressing the needs of all learners.

MISD’s At-home Internet Connectivity Initiative will provide reliable internet connectivity for students. MISD is exploring multiple connectivity options including Private Long Term Evolution (LTE), service provider Hotspots, and service provider wireline connectivity. At-home internet connectivity will be critical in mitigating learning gaps during ongoing disruptions.

ESSER lll was authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) in March 2021 to address the impact of COVID-19 on elementary and secondary schools.  School districts apply for funds and are awarded an entitlement based on their Title l student population.  Mesquite ISD’s entitlement under ESSER lll is $82,318,127.  This preliminary spending plan was used to apply for the grant funds and was developed with stakeholder input.

The period of availability of ESSER lll funding extends through September 20, 2024.  Since these are temporary funds, our spending plan includes an exit strategy for each proposed solution.

The dollars allocated through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund are critical to addressing the impact that COVID-19 has had and continue to have on our students.

Mesquite ISD has been allocated approximately $82.3 million in ESSER III funds.

We have developed a comprehensive, working plan to holistically tackle our needs. The MISD ESSER plan is informed by feedback, research, and a commitment to ensuring excellence for every MISD student.

The purpose of ESSER in general is to award subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) such as Mesquite ISD to address the impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools.

Yes, LEAs must expend a minimum of 20 percent of their grant funds on:

1. Evidence-based interventions, such as summer learning, extended day comprehensive after school programs, or extended school year programs; and
2. Ensure interventions respond to students’ academic, social, and emotional needs and address the disproportionate impact of coronavirus on student populations as defined in ESEA, Title I, Part A, students experiencing homelessness, and youth in foster care.

ESSER funds are designated to be used in any or all of 15 buckets, which include addressing learning loss, providing professional development, improving indoor air quality, providing social and emotional supports, updating and providing technology, and others (FAQ from TEA)

Funds may be used for allowable activities from March 13, 2020 (with approved pre-award) through Sept. 30, 2023.

The LEA must engage in meaningful consultation with stakeholders and give the public an opportunity to provide input in the development of its plan for the uses of ARP ESSER III funds.

The LEA must provide its plan for the uses of ARP ESSER III funds in an understandable and uniform format.

The LEA’s plan for the uses of ARP ESSER III funds will be posted to the LEA’s website within 30 days of receiving its ESSER III Notice of Grant Award.