DEED webinars provide updates, solicit input on American Rescue Plan state plan

DEED is hosting a series of webinars this month to both provide updates and seek input from stakeholders on the state plan for American Rescue Plan funds.

Additionally, the department is seeking feedback and ideas from all stakeholders through a Thought Exchange.

The ARP Act provides $122 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III Fund) to help meet a wide range of needs arising from the Coronavirus pandemic, including reopening schools safely, sustaining their safe operation, and addressing students’ social, emotional, mental health, and academic needs resulting from the pandemic.  The ARP Act provides an additional $2.75 billion in assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS), $3 billion for Special Education, and additional funding for homeless children & youth, Tribal Educational Agencies, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives.

DEED will provide updates on how the plan is going and how we are implementing the input we’ve gathered.  These are open to the public, including: district personnel, school personnel, families & parents, and any community organizations with a vested interest.

• May 7, 2021, 2PM- What are the state’s needs?
• May 14, 2021, 2PM- What are the priorities for state funds?
• May 21, 2021, 2PM- How can DEED support schools, districts, and educators?

Families & advocates of migratory children, English learners, Alaska Native children, children with disabilities, children experiencing homelessness, and children in foster care are invited to share feedback with the department. Webinars focused on students in these groups will be held the following dates.

• May 10, 2021, 6PM
• May 11, 2021, 6PM
• May 12, 2021, 6PM

You can find more resources and updated information at https://education.alaska.gov/safeschools/infectiousdisease/arp-state-plan.