ESSER III Funds Use Plan
Sycamore CUSD #427 is dedicated to leveraging ESSER III funds to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and support the academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of our students. This plan outlines how the district will use these funds, totaling $2,803,225, to enhance our educational environment and ensure the well-being of our students and staff.
Stakeholder Engagement and Feedback
Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, feedback was gathered from various stakeholders including public comments at Board of Education meetings, input from staff, and discussions with union leadership. This collaborative approach ensured that the plan addresses the needs and concerns of our community effectively.
Breakdown of ESSER III Funds Allocation
- Prevention and Mitigation Strategiesi. Additional health staff will assist with rigorous health monitoring and quick responses to potential outbreaks. Additional health staff can conduct regular health screenings, monitor symptoms, and ensure compliance with health protocols.
- Additional health staff: This investment is crucial for the well-being of both students and staff, ensuring that schools can function effectively and continue to provide quality education amidst ongoing and future health challenges.
i. Additional health staff will assist with rigorous health monitoring and quick responses to potential outbreaks. Additional health staff can conduct regular health screenings, monitor symptoms, and ensure compliance with health protocols.
ii. Additional health staff can help maintain a safe school environment by managing health-related logistics, such as sanitization efforts, contact tracing, and ensuring adherence to health guidelines.
2. Addressing Lost Instructional Time and Students' Academic, Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Needs
- Learning Loss: funds will be allocated to address learning loss and the social and emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through hiring additional interventionists and social workers. This will assist in creating a supportive and responsive educational environment. This investment addresses both the immediate aftermath of the pandemic and fosters long-term resilience and well-being for students and the broader school community. By prioritizing the holistic needs of students, we can ensure a more equitable and effective educational experience for all. Professional development opportunities will also be offered to assist staff in addressing learning loss.
- Summer Enrichment: funds will be allocated towards summer enrichment programs designed to provide additional learning opportunities and help students catch up on lost instructional time.
- After-School Programs: funds will support after-school programs aimed at providing extra academic support and enrichment activities for students.
Public Transparency
Return to School Plan: The district’s Return to School Plan is available on our website under the Resources section. This plan outlines the policies and practices for safely reopening schools and maintaining continuity of services.
- Public Input: The district will continue to provide opportunities for public comment and stakeholder input at school board meetings to ensure that the community’s voice is heard and considered in the decision-making process.
By strategically allocating ESSER III funds, Sycamore CUSD #427 aims to address the academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of our students, and ensure a safe learning environment for our community. This comprehensive approach will help our district navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and support our students’ success and well-being.