Safe Return to In-Person Instruction
Overview of ESSER III (ARP) Funding
The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief 3.0 (ESSER III) Fund, established under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2), provides significant financial support to schools to help ensure a safe return to in-person instruction and continuity of services. Enacted on March 11, 2021, the ARP ESSER Fund allocates nearly $122 billion to states and local educational agencies (LEAs) across the country. These funds are designated to support the safe reopening of schools and sustain safe operations while addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students.
In addition to the ARP ESSER Fund, the American Rescue Plan includes additional funding for other critical educational needs:
$3 billion for special education
$850 million for the Outlying Areas
$2.75 billion to support non-public schools
Additional funding to support homeless children and youth, Tribal educational agencies, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives
Requirements for the Safe Return to In-Person Instruction Plan
To comply with the ARP ESSER Fund, all LEAs, including Tecumseh Public Schools, must develop and make publicly available a "Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan." This plan must meet the following requirements:
Timeline for Development: The plan must be developed within 30 days of receiving ARP ESSER funds. If a plan was developed before the enactment of the ARP and does not meet the current requirements, it must be revised within six months of its last review.
Public Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement: The plan must be developed with meaningful public consultation. This includes input from a diverse group of stakeholders, such as families, students, teachers, principals, school and district administrators, school leaders, other educators, school staff, and advocacy organizations representing various student groups. This consultation process must allow for input from these groups and consider that input meaningfully.
Accessibility and Transparency: The plan must be published in an understandable and uniform format. To the extent practicable, it should be written in a language that parents can understand. If this is not possible, the plan should be translated orally. Additionally, upon request, parents with disabilities should be provided with the plan in an accessible format.
Ongoing Updates and Revisions
Tecumseh Public Schools is committed to regularly updating its Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan every six months, in accordance with ESSER III (ARP) requirements. These updates will occur in March and September each year throughout the life of the grant.
Public Input and Feedback
We value the input of our community in shaping the Safe Return to In-Person Instruction Plan. We encourage parents, students, staff, and community members to provide feedback and suggestions to help us improve our plans and ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff.
To share your feedback, please click here to review the current plan and submit your comments. Your input is crucial in helping us maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for all.
Tecumseh Public Schools is dedicated to providing a safe return to in-person instruction while ensuring the health and safety of our students, staff, and community. By engaging with our stakeholders and regularly updating our plans, we strive to meet the evolving needs of our community during these challenging times. Thank you for your continued support and partnership.