In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress passed three bills that provided immediate and direct economic assistance to state and local educational agencies through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds. These funds were provided to support areas with the greatest need including the academic and non-academic components for school districts that had the greatest impact due to COVID-19. As additional funding was provided, the intent of the funds was to support States and local school districts’ efforts to safely reopen schools, address significant gaps in learning, and support measures of implementation that will continue to reduce the effects of COVID-19 on students and families.

WCSD has been allocated ESSER funds to address learning and operational losses as follows:

Additionally, WCSD was allocated $24,055,245 in ESSER III - American Rescue Plan funding. These funds became available in July 2020 and will continue to be utilized through September 2024. These funds have been used to employ additional teachers, paraprofessionals, and other support staff, to pay for tutoring for students who experienced learning loss due to the pandemic, to support summer enrichment and remediation programs, to pay for licenses of software to support student learning, to purchase equipment to increase student learning, retention bonuses to maintain continuity, to pay for additional professional learning for teachers, to offset other expenses brought on by the pandemic, and to purchase school supplies for all students PreK-12 for the past three school years.

Prior to the 2020-21 and 2021-2022 school years, the Walton County School District surveyed parents to gauge their comfort level with returning to school and assist with the district's reopening plans. Based on that feedback, the district implemented both in-person and digital learning options. In addition, representatives from each school's Parent Teacher Organization were asked to provide input on safety plans and reopening strategies. Principals also worked with teachers and support staff in each building to seek input on establishing safe environments. School leaders were encouraged to implement the district's overall safety plan while also meeting the individual needs of their staff and school community. As a member of the local Board of Health, the superintendent strategized with the local health officials to ensure school district plans were supported by medical professionals in the community. The district used consistent, clear communication to keep all stakeholders informed prior to and throughout the school year, building a strong level of trust and confidence among teachers, parents, students, staff, and the community.

Prior to the 2022-2023 school year, with input from both internal and external stakeholders, the decision was made to move back to 100% in-person learning.  

If you have additional feedback on ESSER funding, please submit a Contact Us form here.