In our last blog post – we discussed the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) and Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funds.
Specifically we discussed the economic packages that brought them to life, and that they will expire in September 2024.
But we didn’t discuss HOW schools and districts could utilize these funds.

Schools can utilize this type of funding for student programs, or staff training.
Challenge Discovery offers these types of opportunities.
Read on for different ways that schools can utilize this funding.

The Virginia Department of Education released a document that offers guidance on how schools might utilize these funds.
It’s only a two page document and interpreted into very user-friendly language, unlike the original federal government documents…Check it out here

There are all sorts of ways that schools can utilize this money.
It can be spent on students, faculty, staff, construction, training, facility improvement, and otherwise.

Be sure that the plan is submitted for approval before spending the money and hoping it will go through.
It is far easier to get prior approval and be sure the expense or project is covered.
We have heard from some schools that tried using the funds for certain expenses (not approved before).
They were related to staff support opportunities to help improve staff well-being and lead to greater retention.
They went to receive their approval after the fact and were denied…

The first item listed is:
“Addressing students’ social, emotional, mental health, and academic needs, programs to re-engage students (including addressing factors that contributed to disengagement prior to the pandemic)…”
(https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/1614/637947572557100000)
We have multiple “programs to re-engage students”!

Schools are using these funds to bring Challenge Discovery to them for their students or staff.
We aim to engage students through fun, purposefully facilitated activities and group challenges.
Our programs work on building relationships, improving self-esteem, and creating a mutually supportive environment.
Our Common Ground program is specifically aimed at helping large groups (like staff teams).
Contact us for more information.