ESSER Funding

Elementary and Secondary Schools Education Relief Act (ESSER) Funding was passed in March and December 2020, and January 2021.

What does this mean for you? There may be district funding available for your music program. You can read more about the history of this legislation here. There are several recordings below that you may find useful. Toolkits, sample emails, and examples of what the funds can be used for in a classroom have been graciously provided.

ESSER Webinars and Recordings

Be a Part of the Music with Scott Lang

Includes a toolkit with resources, sample emails to your administration, and a spreadsheet for creating your budget.

This is a helpful place to start if you need examples of what to ask/email.

PMEA Conference Webinar with Dr. Thomas Ralston

Includes remarks from Mark Despotakis, Director of Policy and Government Affairs at Pennsylvania MEA, and Superintendent of Avonworth, PA, Dr. Thomas Ralston.

NAMM, NFHS, & NAfME Webinar

There is a lot of information in this most recent videos in the webinar collection, as well as some advice for creating your rationales for funding and contacting your administration.

ND Department of Instruction/NAfME Links

ESSER I

ESSER II

ESSER III

These links show how funding breaks down for each district in North Dakota.

ND DPI

NAfME

ND DPI's ESSER

information hub.

ESSER Funding Toolkit

We suggest you begin conversations now with your administrators on ways to use some of the ESSER funds for your music programs. Use the toolkits provided to give you a start. You may also want to inquire about the allocation of the first round of ESSER funds in case there is unallocated funds in your district or charter school.