911ÖÆÆ·³§

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois school districts have been awarded federal funding in three phases through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER I, ESSER II, and ESSER III).

Schools can use ESSER III funds to address students’ learning loss, students’ academic, social, and emotional needs, and address the impact of COVID-19 on underrepresented groups.  The funds can also be used for staffing and to support the reopening and operation of school facilities to maintain the health and safety of students, educators, and staff.

In April 2022, 911ÖÆÆ·³§ District 202 shared a ESSER Stakeholder Survey to gather feedback about the use of ESSER funding. Administrators also met with teachers and staff (remotely and in person) to engage in meaningful conversations about funding to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus threat and equitable services to students and teachers in schools as required under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

911ÖÆÆ·³§ received $2.3 million in ESSER III (Round 3) funding. The current spending plan framework is to spend $1.7 million on capital improvements that focus on the following areas:

• Heating and cooling systems (HVAC) to improve air quality and efficiency
• Summer school programs and positions to provide enrichment for students
• Provide after-school academic support programs
• Provide spaces for student engagement 
• Implement services related to summer learning, especially for incoming or new students
• Social work services for students
• Renovations to Health Services (Nurses) Office to enhance wellbeing services to students