Over the last few years, the Dayton Public School District has received COVID-relief funds from the federal government. These funds, often referred to as “ESSER” funds (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) or “ARP” funds (American Rescue Plan), have been used to keep students and staff safe during the pandemic, and to help students catch up academically after a period of disrupted learning in 2020 and 2021. There were several rounds of funding for K12 schools, denoted by ESSER I, II or III.

To keep the community informed about the district’s ongoing use of COVID-relief funds, regular reports will be shared on the district’s website throughout the lifetime of the funds. ESSER I funds expired in September of 2022. ESSER II funds expired in September of 2023. ESSER III funds will expire in September of 2024. 

In May 2024, the district expended the following: 

ESSER III – $3,396,722

These funds went toward salaries and benefits for co-teachers, SROs, paraprofessionals, custodians, nurses, and bus drivers. Funds also went toward professional development training, the transportation center renovation, classroom supplies, instruments, and books for parents. 

Professional Development Training with Novea McIntosh and Rocho Nenonene- Teacher training on developing culturally responsive teaching practices through Professional Learning Communities. 

Instruments – Saxophones, mellophones, trumpets, clarinets, french horns, cymbals, and other equipment were purchased for bands at Belmont, Dunbar, EJ Brown, the International School, Stivers, Thurgood, Wogaman and Wright Brothers. 

Another COVID-relief spending update will be published next month. Read more about the district’s Recovery Plan here.