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 April 2024, the district expended the following: 

ESSER III – $6,579,161

These funds went toward salaries and benefits for co-teachers, SROs, paraprofessionals, custodians, nurses, and bus drivers. Funds also went toward purchasing Greater Dayton RTA bus passes, Dayton Children’s Hospital (for Student Resiliency Coordinators/Student Behavior Therapists), renovation of the District’s transportation center, and the items listed below:

Did You Know Publishing – Customized Professional Learning to support DPS’s Resident Educators, which includes materials, access to portal, and assessments.

HVAC expenses – Louise Troy, Rosa Parks, and the Service Building.

School Specialty LLC and Lakeshore Learning – Art supplies for Roosevelt Elementary and Valerie Elementary, and cubby storage for River’s Edge Montessori and Charity Adams Earley Girls Academy. 

Montessori Outlet – Specialized Montessori equipment for new classroom set up at the International School.

Taylor Music – Instruments for middle and high schools.

Superior Cheer – Thurgood Marshall STEM High School band warm-up uniforms. 

Damand Promotions –  Books for parents of new Kindergarteners.

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