ESSER Funds

The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund is a federal formula grant managed by the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE). Non-recurring, emergency aid subgrants are being allocated by the AOE to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) by formula based on Title I, Part A allocations - Barre Unified Union School District is one of those LEAs. Funds are broken down into three parts: ESSER I, ESSER II, and ESSER III. These grants are considered one-time funds.

Title I, Part A is a Consolidated Federal Program with the purpose of providing all children a significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education, and to close educational achievement gaps. BUUSD receives Title I funding each year.

Click the links to learn more about:

• ESSER I, also known as Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) ESSER funds.
  BUUSD allocation: $1,006,964

• ESSER II, an expansion of CARES ESSER funds and with the addition of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act funds.
  BUUSD allocation: $4,673,890

• ESSER III, also known as the American Rescue Plan (ARP) ESSER funds.
  BUUSD allocation: $10,495,696

This U.S. Department of Education Fact Sheet further describes ESSER funds and the difference between each type.

BUUSD sought and is seeking input from teachers and the community: 

• Design Team met for the first time week of January 4, 2021
• Barre 35 Recovery Team first met March 25, 2021
• A survey was put out to BUUSD Administrators March 26, 2021.
• BUUSD Superintendent, Chris Hennessey, distributed a survey to all BUUSD staff, families, and community members on August 2, 2021. 
• BUUSD Superintendent, Chris Hennessey, also is hosting a community forum on August 18, 2021.  This forum was advertised via our social media channels @buusdvt on Facebook, Instagram, and on our website.

BUUSD must invite public comment and input into the decision making process for utilizing ESSER III funds. The US Department of Education requires Local Education Agencies to complete Meaningful Consultation and provide evidence public input was incorporated into the plan and the plan must be approved at the state level and then shared with the public.

1. Review this document to learn more about the limitations and opportunities for how to spend ESSER III funds.
2. Provide feedback to BUUSD Administrators by filling out this ESSER III Public Survey. (Survey ends on August 19, 2021)
3. Attend our ESSER III community forum, being held on Wednesday, August 18th at 5:30 PM at the Spaulding High School Auditorium.
   The event is open to all members of the BUUSD community.  Face coverings are required for all attendees.
4. Attend and make public comment at a BUUSD School Board Meeting.