Funds were allotted through the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Signed into law on March 20, 2021, funds were awarded for the purpose of addressing the impact COVID-19 had on elementary and secondary schools.

Grand Forks Public Schools used $2,057,149 in funds to enhance technology throughout the school system, which included adding and updating computer equipment (ex: Chromebooks, laptops, iPads, etc.).

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSA), was signed into law on December 27, 2020.

Grand Forks Public Schools is eligible to receive $8,235,471.

School and district administration at Grand Forks Public Schools created an initial list of funding proposals to close the learning gap. Several guidelines were provided: (1) interventions must respond to students’ academic, social-emotion, and/or mental health-related skill gaps; (2) address the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on underrepresented student subgroups; (3) are able to be implemented, monitored, and assessed during the timeframe; (4) adhere to Appendix B - LEA Use of Funds.

School leadership and district department leaders provided a variety of concepts to consider, which included expanding summer school; adding school year academic and social-emotional extensions and supports; providing additional building-level supports; increasing mental health supports and services; enhancing technology; and facility projects to improve air quality and reduce the potential transmission of viruses and bacteria.

The 7-member district administrative cabinet reviewed the concepts. An electronic survey was then created to garner feedback regarding proposed concepts to be funded using ESSER II and III allocations. The survey was distributed on Friday, June 18 and closed at 11:59 p.m. CT on Tuesday, June 22. The survey was sent to all Grand Forks Public Schools employees, parents/guardians, students in 6th-11th grades (as of the 2020-2021 school year), and community members.

A total of 859 surveys were submitted. Results were tabulated and shared within the ESSER II application, which was approved by the Grand Forks School Board on June 28, 2021. Please click here to view the application.

On Thursday, March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act was signed into law. Funds are provided to school districts to help safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools and address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on students.

Grand Forks Public Schools will be eligible to receive $18,495,697, with 20% of ESSER III funds being used to address learning loss and mental health.

School leadership and district department leaders provided a variety of concepts to consider, which included expanding summer school; adding school year academic and social-emotional extensions and supports; providing additional building-level supports; increasing mental health supports and services; enhancing technology; and facility projects to improve air quality and reduce the potential transmission of viruses and bacteria.

The 7-member district administrative cabinet reviewed the concepts. An electronic survey was then created to garner feedback regarding proposed concepts to be funded using ESSER II and III allocations. The survey was distributed on Friday, June 18 and closed at 11:59 p.m. CT on Tuesday, June 22. The survey was sent to all Grand Forks Public Schools employees, parents/guardians, students in 6th-11th grades (as of the 2020-2021 school year), and community members. A total of 859 surveys were submitted.

The Grand Forks School Board approved the ESSER II application at its meeting on August 9, 2021.

ESSER III Summary:

• Learning Loss: $9,258,564
• Facilities: $6,060,000
• Mental Health: $1,663,000
• Legislature ($143 per pupil): $1,064,778
• Unallocated: $449,355
• Total: $18,495,697

General Fund savings are estimated to be $7,217,864.

The approved ESSER III application can be found by clicking here.