Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER)

Grant Application Notice
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United State Department of Education (USDE) released three grants for school districts to apply for through the Texas Education Agency (TEA) known as CARES ESSER I; CRRSA ESSER II; and ARP ESSER III. New Braunfels ISD applied for the CARES ESSER I; ARP ESSER III and the CRRSA ESSER II grant. 

ESSER III
In an effort to engage all community stakeholders in meaningful consultation regarding the allocation of ESSER III funds, the District initiated multiple opportunities for feedback. Such feedback was solicited and received from various organization and groups, including but not limited to, parents, students, community members, administrators, teachers, school staff, school leaders and civil rights organizations. Additionally, stakeholders representing the interests of children with disabilities, English language learners, children in foster care, migrant students, and other underserved students were surveyed. Planning meetings, including those of the DEIC, district and campus administrators, and the June 21 Board Meeting, were conduits to solicit feedback and public comment. Additionally, a districtwide survey was distributed, as well as one to the principals. Results from such meetings and surveys are documented and summarized below:

ESSER Planning Meeting Sign-In

ESSER Planning Meeting Notes

Stakeholder Planning Meeting – May 10, 2021

Stakeholder Planning Meeting Sign-In

Stakeholder Planning Meeting Agenda

Stakeholder Planning Meeting Minutes

DEIC Meeting – May 17, 2021

DEIC Meeting Sign-In

DEIC Meeting Agenda

DEIC Meeting Minutes

DEIC Meeting ESSER Ideas

DEIC Meeting Brainstorming Results

DEIC CNA 21-22

Campus Administrator Feedback – May 18, 2021

ESSER Ideas - Elementary

ESSER Ideas - Middle School

ESSER Ideas -  High School/School of Choice/Ninth Grade Center

Survey to Stakeholders – June 1 through June 8, 2021

A survey through a “Thought Exchange” was sent to all stakeholders in the NBISD community. Recipients were asked their thoughts on programs, resources and systems they saw as needs within New Braunfels ISD to be funded with ESSER III funds to improve learning and facilities in the district. The initial ideas were received from previous meetings and input received.

Survey Participants

Survey Results

ESSER III board presentation from June 21 to solicit public comment:

210621 - ESSER Presentation for Public Hearing

The District will continue to gather feedback from all stakeholders. Please email Tera Thompson, Director of Federal Programs, with questions to share suggestions or comments. Additionally, the District will continue to use DEIC meetings to consult with stakeholders, at a minimum of each 6 months, to evaluate effectiveness and to review the Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan. The next meeting to review the Plan is scheduled for November.

ESSER II

Board presentation from August 9 to solicit public comment:

ESSER II Presentation for Public Hearing

The District will continue to gather feedback from all stakeholders. Please email Tera Thompson, Director of Federal Programs, with questions to share suggestions or comments. Additionally, the District will continue to use DEIC meetings to consult with stakeholders, at a minimum of each 6 months, to evaluate effectiveness and to review the Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan. The next meeting to review the Plan is scheduled for November.

Texas Education Agency-ESSER Grant Programs

Texas Education Agency-ARP ESSER III Grant Program

United States Department of Education - ARP ESSER

Texas Education Agency FAQ Website 

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on the ESSER III funds?

For more information, visit the Texas Education Agency FAQ Website

What is the purpose of the ARP ESSER III funds?

The intent and purpose of ARP of 2021, ESSER III funding is to help safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools and address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on students.

Are the ESSER III funds required to be used for specific purposes?

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

• Evidence-based interventions, such as summer learning, extended day comprehensive after school programs, or extended school year programs; and
• 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.

Are there recommended uses of ESSER III funds that will assist LEAs in addressing the impact of the COVID pandemic and disruptions leading to learning loss? (TEA FAQ AU-Q3)

While keeping in mind the purpose and requirements under ESSER III related to accelerating student learning, TEA strongly encourages school systems to plan for how to use these one-time federal funds expeditiously over the entire covered period to facilitate a more comprehensive long-term approach to learning acceleration. This may include aligned strategies that are currently part of a district’s current plans and strategies. A qualitative review of draft local learning acceleration plans revealed the following trends and suggestions, including but not limited to:

• Professional Development: comprehensive Reading Academies, high-quality instructional materials, dyslexia training, professional development stipends, technology integration training;
• Extended Instructional Time: extended day, extended year, high-dosage tutoring, summer learning;
• Staffing: tutors, reduced class sizes, small group instruction, staff retention and recruitment incentive pay, after school enrichment programs, instructional coaching and leadership;
• Facilities: ventilation, cleaning, HVAC systems, specialized instructional spaces;
• Technology: devices, infrastructure upgrades, learning management systems, digital tools, educational application;
• Mental Health and Behavioral Supports: social workers, at-risk coordinators, additional counseling services, teacher training and programming, wrap-around and community partnerships.