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 January 2024, the district expended the following: 

ESSER III – $2,932,344

These funds went toward salaries and benefits for co-teachers, SROs, paraprofessionals, custodians, nurses, and bus drivers. Funding also went to Dayton Children’s Hospital, RTA bus passes, LSC Incorporated, AKA Construction, Brothers Integrated Technologies, Evans Energy LLC, BSN Sports, Alison’s Montessori and Educational Materials, Taylor Music, and staff professional development. 

More information about LWC Incorporated, AKA Construction & Brothers Integrated Technologies

Funds went toward the renovation of the District’s Transportation Center.

More information about Evans Energy LLC

Funds went toward domestic water heater upgrades at 13 schools. 

More information about Sound system from BSN Sports

Funds went toward replacing the sound system in each high school’s main gym.

More information about Alison’s Montessori and Educational Materials

Funds went toward specialized furnishings and materials for the International School at Residence Park. 

More information about Taylor Music

Funds went toward purchasing wind instruments for student instruction throughout the District. 

More information about staff professional development

A professional development session was held to educate teachers on gradual release and Marzano’s nine instructional strategies.

More information about Student Resiliency Coordinators & Student Behavioral Therapists (Dayton Children’s Hospital)

Student Resiliency Coordinators (SRCs) are in each school and manage long-term counseling needs for students. The SRC at each school helps determine what services a student needs, and then connects him or her to those services. The SRCs also set goals and monitor a student’s progress toward reaching those goals.

While SRCs focus on extended counseling needs, Student Behavioral Therapists focus on short-term counseling. There is one Student Behavioral Therapist for every two schools. 

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