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 March 2024, the district expended the following: 

ESSER III – $3,907,625

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), and the items listed below:

Evans Energy – Funds went toward consulting on professional engineering services for hot water upgrade.

LWC Incorporated – Contracted services for the renovation and addition to the Dayton Public Schools Transportation Center.

American Red Cross – First Aid/CPR Training.

United Art & Education Inc – Teacher supplies, including books, pottery supplies, and art supplies.

School Specialty LLC, Blick Art Materials, Barnes and Noble, Taylor Music – general supplies for schools, along with drum covers and cases. 

School Health and Amazon – Nursing supplies, including ostoscopes and nurse travel expenses.

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