In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United State Department of Education (USDE) released three grants for school districts to apply for through the Texas Education Agency (TEA) known as CARES ESSER I; CRRSA ESSER II; and ARP ESSER III. Dickinson ISD applied for and received each of the ESSER Grants.

ARP, ESSER III Grant Community Input

The intent and purpose of ARP ESSER III funding is to help safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools and address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on students.

Dickinson ISD is soliciting input from stakeholders related to our Use of Funds plan to address loss of instruction or accelerated learning due to COVID for the 2022-2023 school year. In addition, we are asking for any comments or concerns related to COVID safety protocols for the 2022-2023 school year.

Please email Kathy Behrendsen at kbehrendsen@dickinsonisd.org  to share suggestions or comments. 

Dickinson ISD Actions planning for the Use of Funds Plan and the Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Service Plan: 

• Stakeholder meetings held in May 2021 
• Email and surveys sent to all stakeholders: May 24-June 2, 2021
• Public notice in local newspaper and on district website
• Board resolution approved: Resolution from the DISD Board regarding Public Notice, June 7, 2021
• A public meeting held to present the ESSER III plan for public comment: July 12, 2021 Board Meeting 
• Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Service Plan presented: July 29, 2021 Board Meeting

ARP, ESSER III Grant Application Notice

CRSSA, ESSER II Grant Application Notice

The Dickinson Independent School district is providing public notice to the community and stakeholders of its intent to submit an application for the 2020-2023 CRSSA ESSER II Federal Grant.

The intent and purpose of the CRRSA Act of 2021, ESSER II funding is to prevent, prepare for, or respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including its impact on the social, emotional, mental health, and academic needs of students. 

Please email Kathy Behrendsen at kbehrendsen@dickinsonisd.org for more information about this grant.

Texas Education Agency-ESSER Grant Programs

Texas Education Agency-ARP ESSER III Grant Program

United States Department of Education - ARP ESSER

Texas Education Agency FAQ Website 

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on the ESSER III funds?

For more information, visit the Texas Education Agency FAQ Website

What is the purpose of the ARP ESSER III funds?

The intent and purpose of ARP of 2021, ESSER III funding is to help safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools and address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on students.

Are the ESSER III funds required to be used for specific purposes?

Yes, LEAs must expend a minimum of 20 percent of their grant funds on:

• Evidence-based interventions, such as summer learning, extended day comprehensive after school programs, or extended school year programs; and
• Ensure interventions respond to students’ academic, social, and emotional needs and address the disproportionate impact of coronavirus on student populations as defined in ESEA, Title I, Part A, students experiencing homelessness, and youth in foster care.

Are there recommended uses of ESSER III funds that will assist LEAs in addressing the impact of the COVID pandemic and disruptions leading to learning loss? (TEA FAQ AU-Q3)

While keeping in mind the purpose and requirements under ESSER III related to accelerating student learning, TEA strongly encourages school systems to plan for how to use these one-time federal funds expeditiously over the entire covered period to facilitate a more comprehensive long-term approach to learning acceleration. This may include aligned strategies that are currently part of a district’s current plans and strategies. A qualitative review of draft local learning acceleration plans revealed the following trends and suggestions, including but not limited to:

• Professional Development: comprehensive Reading Academies, high-quality instructional materials, dyslexia training, professional development stipends, technology integration training;
• Extended Instructional Time: extended day, extended year, high-dosage tutoring, summer learning;
• Staffing: tutors, reduced class sizes, small group instruction, staff retention and recruitment incentive pay, after school enrichment programs, instructional coaching and leadership;
• Facilities: ventilation, cleaning, HVAC systems, specialized instructional spaces;
• Technology: devices, infrastructure upgrades, learning management systems, digital tools, educational application;
• Mental Health and Behavioral Supports: social workers, at-risk coordinators, additional counseling services, teacher training and programming, wrap-around and community partnerships.