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]]>As the end of 2024 draws near, so does the expiration of ESSER funding, creating a turning point for school districts nationwide. In its place are potential budget shortfalls and lingering uncertainty about how to sustain ESSER-funded initiatives, many of which involve staffing.
ESSER funds have been crucial in helping schools tackle challenges like remote learning and ensuring safe classrooms. As these funds diminish, school districts face the task of maintaining educational standards on evolving budgets. These financial changes, when coupled with increased workloads and limited support, can impact teacher morale and retention.
Taking Creative Action
To tackle this issue, school district leaders can take creative action with how to retain their best educators, from the budgets to the classroom settings. Actions like taking a close look at budgets, building a pipeline of new teachers, instilling a positive work environment, and valuing teachers’ time and energy above all else.
First and foremost, districts should prioritize budget allocation towards recruiting and retaining teachers. This might include offering competitive salaries and benefits packages, investing in professional development opportunities, and creating a positive work environment.
But if budget reallocations are off the table, then school districts can look for alternative funding, such as partnerships with local businesses, grants, or community resources. These partnerships help schools financially and strengthen community involvement. And if the budget is protected, so are educators’ jobs.
Additionally, school districts can explore alternative methods of staffing, such as partnering with local universities or implementing residency programs for aspiring educators, creating a pipeline for new teachers. These programs have been proven successful in many districts, particularly those that begin mentorship programs as early as high school.
A teachers’ time and energy should be considered a top priority. School leaders must consider ways to alleviate the workload on current teachers, like implementing digital solutions designed to maximize their instructional hours and alleviate the pressure. Flexible staffing models, targeted professional development, and the right technology can also streamline tasks that boost teacher retention and morale.
Lastly, schools should focus on creating a positive culture that values and supports their educators. This can include providing mental health resources, recognizing and celebrating teacher accomplishments, and fostering open communication between administration and staff. The positive culture extends into the physical settings of classrooms, faculty lounges, and the school building itself. Ift budgets are tight, there are creative ways to get parent organizations and local community ties who are more than willing to support their schools in many ways.
As school districts navigate reduced ESSER funding, the need to reimagine and rejuvenate educational strategies becomes paramount. Moving forward, it is collective creativity and commitment to education that will sustain and elevate the teaching profession. Together, we can ensure that education continues to shine vibrantly, lighting the way toward a brighter future for all.
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]]>The past few years have been a whirlwind for school administrators and superintendents, navigating federal funding via the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds. But as ESSER begins to wind down, many of us are left wondering, “What’s next?” Ensuring that our schools continue to thrive and provide top-notch education—without interruption—is paramount.
Consider What to Keep & What to Change
Before diving into budgets and funding sources, the first question leaders must evaluate is whether to keep ESSER-funded products and services once the funding runs out. EdWeek surveyed leaders about what their top considerations are when it comes to making these decisions. Based on their responses, teachers may have the best answer.
Most education leaders surveyed said they highly value their teacher’s input—they are the ones using the products and services, know how effective they are, and witness their daily impact on student learning.
The next step is to determine if your current budget can make up the difference when ESSER funds are gone. The answer to this might be a resounding no from many, which leads to the search for alternative funding options.
Alternative Funding Options for Schools
There are numerous reliable funding sources (too many to list here), but we’re focusing on a few that have proven to be effective, available, and aligned to the most common purchases made with ESSER funds.
- ESSA Title I is a longstanding source of funding aimed at improving academic achievement among disadvantaged students. By leveraging Title I funds, schools can address needs like implementing targeted interventions, providing professional development, and investing in education technology.
- ESSA Title IV is a flexible source of funding because its focus is broadly defined. Namely, it aims to provide students with a well-rounded education, ensure safe and healthy students, and enhance the use of technology. From STEM to the arts, mental health and safety initiatives, schools can use these funds for many initiatives.
- Public-Private Partnerships offer a unique opportunity to tap into the resources, expertise, and pockets of the private sector. Many companies are eager to support education through grants and sponsorships. These partnerships can lead to innovative programs, enhanced technology access, and real-world learning opportunities for students.
- Local Funding, such as bonds and levies, are a reliable source of financial support for schools. District and school leaders can engage with the community and demonstrate the value of investing in education to encourage voters to approve funding measures. Connect with local government officials and, more importantly, involve the families of your community.
- Crowdfunding Platforms, like DonorsChoose, may seem a bit outside-of-the-box, but they are an exciting avenue for schools to tap into community support and raise funds for specific initiatives—without all the red tape. With the flexibility to highlight targeted projects, crowdfunding can bridge funding gaps in a timely manner.
Planning Ahead for Sustainable School Budgets
Transitioning from ESSER to alternative funding sources requires careful planning and strategic thinking. Here are a few tips to help education leaders make the most of available resources:
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Diversify Funding Streams
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Engage Stakeholders
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Stay Informed
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Leverage Data
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Think Long-Term
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Relying on a single funding source can be risky. Explore multiple avenues to ensure a stable and sustainable budget. |
Involve teachers, parents, community members, and even students. Their input and support can strengthen funding proposals and initiatives. |
Keep up-to-date with funding regulations and opportunities. Subscribe to newsletters, attend workshops, and network with other leaders. |
Use data to show the impact of funding on student outcomes. Evidence-based reports can bolster your case when seeking extra funds. |
Keep future needs in mind when planning budgets. Rather than focusing only on immediate goals, consider how investments benefit students over time. |
While the conclusion of ESSER funding may seem daunting, it’s also an opportunity to explore new avenues for sustaining and enhancing our educational programs. By leveraging alternative funding sources, we can continue to provide exceptional learning experiences for our students. Together, we can turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth and innovation in education.
Access Discovery Education's Funding Cheat Sheet to see how our evidence-based solutions align to major sources of funding.
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