CARES Act enacted March 2020

BACKGROUND            INTENT            ELIGIBILITY            FILING            PAYMENT           ​ RESOURCES            ​ ACRONYM GLOSSARY 
Background
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted to provide funding to prevent, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus. For NYS K12, the CARES Act provided (2) sets of funding:
  • Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) (Sect. 18002) provides grants to Governors for the purpose of providing educational agencies with emergency assistance to address COVID-19 impacts. Total NYS allocation of $164.2 million.
  • Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) (18003) provides emergency relief funds to school districts to address the impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools. Total NYS allocation of $1 billion.
The combined CARES Act designates billions of dollars in stimulus funds for educational purposes, including money that can be allocated to both education technology and student mental health services. States can also apply for flexibility when using parts of existing Title I funds to enhance distance-learning capabilities.
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Intent
  • ​The CARES Act allocates $13.2 billion for K-12 education, and there are no restrictions on how districts can use this money to address their most pressing issues.
  • The Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund of $3 billion requires districts to allocate funds to major COVID-19 impacts.
  • School Models Microgrants provides $180 million to states with funding they need to ensure that families have access to the technology and educational services they require to advance learning.
  • The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration supports student mental health initiatives
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Usage
GEER
Unless otherwise restricted by the Governor at the time of award, the LEA has considerable flexibility in determining how best to use GEER funds to prevent, prepare for, or respond to COVID-19.

The United States Department of Education has encouraged States and LEAs to invest GEER funds in technology infrastructure and professional development that will improve capacity to provide high quality, accessible, distance education, or remote learning. This may include:
  • Providing access to reliable, high-speed internet for students and teachers through the purchase of internet-connected devices/equipment, mobile hotspots, wireless service plans, or installation of Community Wi-Fi Hotspots, especially in underserved communities;
  • Purchasing hardware and software applications for students and teachers;
  • Providing access to high-quality digital learning content, apps, and tools that can deliver engaging and relevant learning experiences that are accessible to all students;
  • Covering costs associated with making materials accessible for students with disabilities or English learners; and
  • Providing professional development and training for teachers on effective strategies for the delivery of remote and digital instruction.
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ESSER
Among the (12) allowable uses of ESSER funds are:
  • Coordination of preparedness and response efforts of local educational agencies with State, and local relevant agencies to improve coordinated responses to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.
  • Providing principals and other school leaders with the resources necessary to address the needs of their individual schools.
  • Develop, implement procedures/systems to improve the preparedness and response efforts of local educational agencies.
  • Purchasing educational technology (including hardware, software, and connectivity) for students and their classroom instructors.​
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Eligibility
New York State is allocating GEER funding to the State’s 673 major school districts. School districts that employ fewer than eight teachers, charter schools, and Special Act School Districts are not eligible for GEER funding.

As required by the CARES Act, a LEA’s GEER allocation was determined as a proportionate share based on the 19-20 Title I, Part A funds.
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Filing
Most likely via a NYSED portal but details are still forthcoming.
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Payment
  • GEER funding period: March 13, ‘20 – Sept. 30, ‘22.
  • ​LEAs must obligate GEER funds by Sept. 30, ‘22 and liquidate them by Oct. 30, ‘22.
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< American Rescue Plan
CRRSA Act (ESSER2 & GEER2) >
Note that New York State Education Dept. (NYSED) is still issuing guidelines for use of NYS's $7.9 billion allocated in the American Rescue Plan (ARP) passed by U.S. Congress in March 2021. Currently, available district funds must be spent by Sept. 30, 2024, although a deadline extension is possible. Sign up to be notified when significant content updates are posted.
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