HELENA, Mont. (NMB) – The U.S. Department of Education has announced the approval of Montana’s American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) plan and distributed remaining ARP ESSER funds to them.
A press release says Montana’s plan details how the state is using and plans to use 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.
Montana is receiving $382 million total in ARP ESSER funds, and the approval of their plan will result in the release of the final $127 million.
The funds will go towards efforts such as investment in summer learning, addressing the academic impact of lost instructional time, expanding afterschool programs and supporting students’ and educators social, emotional and mental health needs.
