Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER III)

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

On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act was signed into law. In it, the U.S. Department of Education is providing an additional $121.9 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ARP ESSER Fund). This legislation awards grants to state educational agencies (SEAs) for providing school districts with emergency relief funds to address the impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools across the nation.

Florida will receive $6,339,033,137 in ARP ESSER funds from the ARP Act, with 90 percent being awarded to school districts. The remaining funds will be used for state-level activities to address issues caused by COVID-19. The School District of Lee County will receive $189,170,730.

Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and
Instructional Continuity Plan (ICP)

When the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools to in-person learning in March of 2020, school districts across Florida pivoted to a fully virtual learning environment for teachers, students and families. Districts, including The School District of Lee County, responded with creative solutions and new approaches to nearly all aspects of school operations.

Both the Florida Department of Education and the US Department of Education are requiring school districts to have an Instructional Continuity plan to address the safe return to in-person learning as well as a plan to ensure the continuation of all educational operations during periods of disruption to in-person learning.

The following draft plan addresses both of those requirements and after receiving public feedback will be submitted to the Florida Department of Education for further review, and ultimately, approval.

Public Meetings

School Board Briefing Meeting (Tuesday, December 7th)

Virtual Session (Friday, December 10th)

Public Input

We appreciate your input in determining the best use of these funds and the best ways to provide instructional continuity. You are an important partner in our school community as we work together to maximize the educational experience for Lee County students.

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