Welcome to the HUUSD ESSER Page!

???? **Attention Community Members! Your Input is Valued!**

As we strive to provide the best educational opportunities for our students, the Harwood Unified Union School District (HUUSD) is seeking to amend our American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) grant to support our upcoming summer school program.

We invite you to review and provide feedback on the proposed amendment to our ARP ESSER plan. The plan and a feedback form are posted on the HUUSD website at huusd.org/esser-funds. The proposed amendment will also be discussed at the HUUSD Board Meeting on May 8th.

You are also welcome to send questions or comments to the HUUSD Director of Curriculum and Technology, Shannon Lessley, at [email protected] or 802-583-7947. 

Thank you for your continued support and collaboration in ensuring the success of our students.

What is ESSER?

The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund is a federal formula grant managed by the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE). Non-recurring, emergency aid subgrants are being allocated by the AOE to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) by formula based on Title I, Part A allocations. The Harwood Unified Union School District is one of those LEAs. Funds are broken down into three parts: ESSER I, ESSER II, and ESSER III. These grants are considered one-time funds.

What is Title 1, Part A?

Title I, Part A is a Consolidated Federal Program with the purpose of providing all children a significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education, and to close educational achievement gaps. HUUSD receives Title I funding each year.

What are the different ESSER types and how much has HUUSD received?

  • ESSER I, also known as Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) ESSER funds. HUUSD received $329,114. Funds were used to support virtual schooling, additional nurse staffing, bus monitors, HVAC system improvements, electronic devices for students and staff
  • ESSER II, an expansion of CARES ESSER funds and with the addition of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRPSA) funds. HUUSD received $1,382,740. Funds were used to support recovery plan coordinators, additional academic and social/emotional student support staff, administration of Comprehensive School Climate Survey, SWIS behavior tracking program across all schools
  • ESSER III, also known as the American Rescue Plan (ARP) ESSER funds. HUUSD received: $3,110,032

This U.S. Department of Education Fact Sheet further describes ESSER funds and the difference between each type.

What is next for ESSER III?

A major component of how HUUSD will spend ESSER III funds will depend on the feedback received on plans built by the administrative team. Use the Quicklinks to the right for more information about the HUUSD ESSER III Plan.

How can I engage in the feedback process?

All community stakeholders may submit feedback through the ARP ESSER III Feedback Form linked below: 

HUUSD ARP ESSER III Feedback Form

Whom should I contact if I have questions about the plan?

Shannon Lessley, Director of Curriculum and Technology: [email protected]