Florida Union Free School District

Federal Stimulus Spending Plan

Spending Plan for Federal Stimulus Funds- 2022-23

Like other school districts nationwide, Florida Union Free School District is receiving an infusion of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) stimulus funds. This is in response to the devastating economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Florida Union Free School District expects to receive $722,082.00 as part of the ARPA and $728,706.00 in CRRSAA funding.

Click here to view the district’s most updated Learning Loss & Enrichment Plan presentation which explains how the district plans to spend these funds.

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Spending Plan

On March 11, 2021, the President signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).

ARPA makes available $122.8 billion nationally in a third round of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP-ESSER) funds.

The 2021-22 enacted state budget includes language requiring each local education agency, or LEA receiving federal ARP-ESSER funding to post on its website, on or before July 1, 2021, a plan by school year of how such funds will be expended and how the LEA will prioritize spending on non-recurring expenses.

The LEA must reserve at least 20% of its allocation to address learning loss through the implementation of evidence-based interventions, such as summer learning or summer enrichment, extended day, comprehensive after-school programs, or extended school year programs.

It must ensure that such interventions respond to students’ academic, social, and emotional needs and address the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus on economically disadvantaged students, children with disabilities, English learners, racial and ethnic minorities, migrant students, students experiencing homelessness, and children and youth in foster care.

Florida Union Free School District will receive $722,082.00 as part of ARPA.

The current plan indicates the ARPA funds will be expended during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 fiscal year in conjunction with Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA).

The items listed below are how the district plans to spend the ARPA funds:

S.S. Seward Institute:

Summer School/Retention Prevention- Two day per week program focused on work completion/study skills/organization to be offered with a teacher into June for both high school and middle school students
Credit Recovery/Acceleration- Two day per week program (aka S.S. Seward Evening Institute) designed to assist students in earning credit needed in order to graduate on time
Regents Review Sessions- Afternoon sessions provided by content area teachers in order to further prepare students to be successful on various Regents Exams

Golden Hill Elementary:

Element 1-After school enrichment – American Sign Language, Painting, STEM Kits, Beekeeping, S.P.A.R.K.- Students Promoting Attitudes of Respect & Kindness
Element 2-Summer Enrichment Experience – key themes plus students will receive the opportunity to engage in an enrichment experience once per week that bolsters their understanding of critical concepts.

Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) Spending Plan

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act 2021 (CRRSA), was signed into law on December 27, 2020 and provides an additional $54.3 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER II Fund).

Federal emergency funds were given to a State or Local Educational Agency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are funded through two grants: GEER 2 and ESSER 2.

The funding can be used for a wide range of activities to address the needs of the school district which arose or were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 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.

Florida Union Free School District was granted $728,406.00. This grant requires the district to spend the money first and then be reimbursed for whatever is spent.