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 below.

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 will expire in September of 2023, and ESSER III funds will expire in September of 2024. 

In March 2023, the district expended the following: 

ESSER II – $38,903.61

These funds went toward AGM Energy and the salary and benefits of the district’s Grant Coordinator. 

More information about AGM Energy 

AGM Energy provided professional design services for the 10 schools that will be receiving a building automation upgrade. These schools include the International School at Residence Park, Cleveland, Thurgood Marshall, Belle Haven, Charity Adams, Edison, Meadowdale, River’s Edge, Valerie, and Roosevelt. 

ESSER III – $2,417,208.06

These funds went toward salaries and benefits for double teachers, SROs, paraprofessionals, and bus drivers. Funding also went to Bluum of Minnesota, Montgomery County ESC, Follett School Solutions, and Dayton Children’s Hospital.

More information about Bluum of Minnesota

Funds were used to purchase and install Clevertouch boards at Valerie Elementary. 

More information about Montgomery County ESC

This purchase was for Graduation Alliance, a credit recovery program used by DPS high schools. 

More information about Follett School Solutions

Funds were used to purchase library books for the International School at Residence Park.

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. This initiative began in 2020 in partnership with Dayton Children’s Hospital and is an innovative approach to providing students with resources specifically tailored to their needs. By partnering with one organization to serve the entire district — rather than multiple agencies partnering with specific schools — there is more accountability and coordination when it comes to providing for the mental health needs of 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. 

More information about Double Teachers

An important part of the district’s recovery plan is a double teaching model in 1st-3rd grade. Under this model, there are two teachers in each classroom, with one specializing in math and one specializing in literacy. The class is divided and the teachers teach to one half of the class simultaneously. The students then switch places for another lesson. 

A major benefit of this model is reduced class size, which allows for more individualized attention. Teachers can spend more time working one-on-one with students, which helps close learning gaps. 

Learn more about the double teaching model in this video produced by the Ohio Department of Education. 

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