Race Against Time: How Schools Are Spending COVID-19 Relief

Race Against Time: How Schools Are Spending COVID-19 Relief

The clock is ticking for U.S. school districts to effectively spend their remaining COVID-19 relief funds before federal deadlines expire.

School districts nationwide face an urgent deadline to allocate the remaining COVID-19 relief funds provided under the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) initiative. If districts fail to spend this money within 30 days, they may have to return millions of dollars to the U.S. Treasury. These funds are pivotal for ongoing efforts to mitigate learning loss, enhance technology, address mental health needs, and bolster overall school safety.

This urgency has prompted districts to act swiftly. Georgetown University’s Edunomics Lab, which tracks ESSER spending, highlights the importance of leveraging these funds efficiently. The funds, totaling over $190 billion, were distributed in three phases by the U.S. Department of Education. “Many school districts across the nation could be required to return millions of dollars to the U.S. Treasury if they don’t spend their remaining post-COVID relief grant money within 30 days, according to federal data.”

Districts have until September 30, 2024, to commit funds and until January 31, 2025, to spend them, though contract expenses may be extended. However, more than 450 districts have spent less than 10% of their ESSER III funds, according to Edunomics. This has created a situation where districts are making last-ditch efforts to plan and execute spending on projects like school renovations and security enhancements.

With the impending conclusion of ESSER funds, school districts are reassessing their budgets, especially regarding educational technology. For instance, the San Antonio Independent School District, serving nearly 45,000 students, has decided to drop tools like Zoom, which costs $100,000 annually. The district prioritizes essential tools and is opting for alternatives such as Microsoft Teams to save costs. “People said, ‘like, what, how are you going to take my Zoom away?’” Mendoza says, adding, “It’s costing us $100,000 a year, and we don’t have that anymore.”

These budget constraints are not confined to technology. Federal pandemic relief funds have also been used for staffing, tutoring, and facilities maintenance. As these funds dwindle, districts face a potential “funding cliff,” risking program cuts, layoffs, and increased workloads for teachers. Many educators express concern about burnout amid these changes. “Teachers have hit a wall. They just don’t have the time.” — Peyton Chapman, principal of Lincoln High School in Portland, Or.

Amid this financial reshuffling, districts are focused on making strategic investments to ensure long-term resilience. Some school systems plan to use the remaining funds for comprehensive reforms aimed at addressing ongoing educational challenges. Whether it’s upgrading infrastructure or improving student services, the goal is to make well-considered expenditures that will have lasting effects.

Educators emphasize the significance of careful planning to avoid waste. “We have every intention to spend it all. We’ll take advantage of it while we have it, that’s for sure,” Sabbah said.

However, administrators caution that the transition will be challenging. As schools face the prospect of reduced funding, they must adapt with fewer resources while maintaining educational quality. The coming months will be crucial as districts finalize spending plans and work to secure their future stability.

With a tight deadline and substantial funds still on the table, school districts are in a race against time to invest in their futures and ensure that this significant federal assistance leaves a lasting positive impact.

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