4 States Get Approval for Remaining American Rescue Plan Funds

The United States Department of Education (ED) has approved school plans from four states for the use of American Rescue Plan ESSER funds, distributing about $1.84 billion in remaining funds.

Each plan included details on how the states using ARP ESSER funds to "safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools and equitably expand opportunity for students who need it most, particularly those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic."

New approvals, announced Monday, include:

  • North Carolina, which received the remaining $1.2 billion of its total $3.6 billion total allocation;

  • Nevada, which received the remaining $358 million of its approximately $1 billion in total funding;

  • Idaho, which received the remaining $146 million of its $440 million total; and

  • Maine, which is receiving the final $137 million of its $411 total allocation.

ED distributed about two-thirds of ARP ESSER funds earlier this year and is now working with remaining states to distribute the rest.

According to ED: "A total of 49 states, and the District of Columbia, have submitted their ARP ESSER state plans to the Department. The Department is reviewing the plans expeditiously and is in contact with states to ensure their plans meet all necessary requirements in order to access the remaining funds, as outlined in the ARP."

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


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