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American Rescue Plan

American Rescue Plan provides historic school funding

In March 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which marked the single largest federal investment ever in public education. PA’s schools received $6.46 billion in supplemental funding meant to combat the unprecedented learning loss that occurred during the pandemic. However, schools only have until Sept. 30 of next year to spend those funds. And, since the funds can only be used for short-term projects rather than ongoing budget items, many districts are struggling to find ways to make use of their share.

To help generate some ideas, the U.S. Dept. of Education released this booklet.

If your school or district could use some help finding ways to spend its share of ARP funding, share this link with your administration or use it as a springboard for your own suggestions on how to meet your students’ social, emotional, and academic needs before time runs out.

How do YOU think PA should spend $5 billion in federal funding for schools?

PSEA members deserve a seat at the table

Over the next couple years, Pennsylvania schools will get nearly $5 billion in one-time federal funds.

Now, we need to make certain that our schools spend this money wisely.

PSEA’s local leaders need to have a seat at the table as your schools make these decisions — and we must demand that we get it. You know best what your schools and students need. You’re the experts.

So, make sure that your voices are heard — and don’t take “no” for an answer.

Let's ask the experts

American Rescue Plan Funding for Pennsylvania Schools*

K-12 Schools

$4.99 Billion

* Source: U.S. Department of Education

Colleges and Universities

$1.32 Billion

* Source: U.S. Department of Education

K-12 Schools: Uses for American Rescue Plan Funding

Fund uses

80%

of funds can be used for:

  • Maintain the health and safety of students, educators, and school staff.
  • Repair and improve school facilities and improve indoor air quality.
  • Train staff on sanitizing and minimizing the spread of infectious diseases.
  • Purchase supplies to sanitize and clean facilities.
  • Provide mental health services and supports, including the hiring of counselors.
  • Fund activities including employing existing or hiring new school staff.
  • Support summer learning and supplemental after-school programs.
  • Purchase educational technology.

Fund uses

20%

of funds can be used for:

  • Address student learning loss.
  • Respond to students’ social, emotional, and academic needs.

ARP in the Press

Associated Press: Education chief: ‘We must make up for lost time’ in schools

PSEA president urges school leaders to consult educators and support staff on initiatives to close learning gaps and meet student mental health needs

PSEA put out a press release on July 9 emphasizing the importance of teachers and support professionals having a seat at the table. Read the full release below. 

President's Op-ed: We’re talking about this across the state

PSEA President Rich Askey wrote an op-ed on the importance of using American Rescue Plan funding the right way, so that it helps students learn and keeps them safe and healthy.

Public News Service: Rescue plan’s funds can help students catch up

State Broadcast News.com: Teachers Urge Pennsylvania to Use American Rescue Plan Funds for Students’ Needs

PennLive: Pa. teachers union president wants to see students back in the classroom in 2021-22

Resources

American Rescue Plan (ARP) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund

Allocations by LEA

Sec. Ortega Message (March)

FAQs

USDE Main ARP Page

Shareable social media content

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