The U.S. Congress has provided financial support for districts and schools through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund to address the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Texas received $1.3 billion in ESSER I funding, an additional $5.5 billion in ESSER II, and $12.4 billion in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds (also referred to as ESSER III).

The pandemic has caused major disruptions in instruction that could take years to remediate. School district administrators and teachers across the state are working tirelessly to meet these ongoing challenges. It is critical that school district leaders share with their legislators specific examples of the ways in which the pandemic has impacted their students, staff, and communities. It is equally important for legislators to hear about the ongoing challenges and why ESSER funding earmarked for schools is needed by schools to ensure this global pandemic does not create an ongoing educational crisis.