CCSD updates community on investments to correct pandemic-related outcomes

Posted at 18:22h in Clark County School District, Community, Employees, Parents, Press Release, Students by Bryan C

The Clark County School District (CCSD) reported the early impacts of federal pandemic-recovery dollars during the ARP ESSER III Annual Use of Funds Report presentation to the CCSD Board of School Trustees. The 23-page report outlines the early impacts on schools, students, and families and summarizes the range of projects the District is implementing to accelerate recovery efforts following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As the board responsible for overseeing the academic success of our students, the superintendent and staff continue their strategic approach to address the unprecedented impacts our kids experienced because of the pandemic,” said Board President Irene Cepeda. “We know our families, children, and community expect us to support and address the social, emotional, and learning obstacles our children face. The plan presented today outlines our ongoing approach to rebound beyond the performance results seen in previous years.” 

The report outlines CCSD’s commitment to investing the $777 million it received through the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Act (ARP ESSER III) in alignment with the strategic priorities identified in the five-year strategic plan as well as the priorities expressed by a diverse set of stakeholders during the summer of 2021.

“The $777 million in ESSER III funding continues to be deployed throughout the District to accelerate student learning and achievement,” said CCSD Superintendent Dr. Jesus F. Jara. “Every day, our staff and students are using new technologies, new math and science curricula, tutoring, and mental health services. By implementing these strategies and supports, we will restore lost learning, close learning gaps, and normalize the learning environment to move beyond our prior results and accelerate academic outcomes.”

Below you will find key highlights from the report.

  • Investments already impacting students and classrooms
    • ES allocation – Each CCSD elementary school was provided an ESSER budget to address individual student needs in regard to academic, social-emotional, and behavioral support
    • Technology – every student has a laptop or tablet and access to a variety of online curriculum
    • Wraparound services – All students are being provided access to one-on-one tutoring and mental health services
  • Educators benefiting
    • Recruitment and retention bonuses – CCSD has invested $70 million in incentives that have drastically reduced classroom vacancies
    • Professional learning – Teachers have access to literacy and science instruction as well as opportunities to pursue a Master’s in English Language Learning at no cost to them
  • Community involvement
    • Through the Focus on the Future for Our Kids Initiative, CCSD has gathered input from 13,000 community stakeholders to inform investment decisions.
    • Regular updates are provided to the Board of School Trustees and posted at future.ccsd.net
  • Spending ahead of schedule
    • CCSD is ahead of the projected trajectory for ESSER investments and has outlined plans to spend all funding on time
    • All project funding aligns with federal requirements

CCSD recognizes the academic challenges some students faced throughout the pandemic. The ARP ESSER III funding empowers the District to take bold actions to address the most pressing needs. CCSD thanks the members of the federal delegation who voted for the American Rescue Plan to provide these ESSER funds in support of our children and will fulfill the expectations of this investment to address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The full report is available in English and Spanish.

For more information on CCSD’s ESSER initiatives, visit future.ccsd.net/ 

To learn more about the District, visit ccsd.net.