Private schools in Frederick County that serve student in grades kindergarten through 12 may be eligible to participate in the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund grant program.
The ESSER Fund was created under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020 (CARES Act), which provides emergency relief funds to local education agencies to address the impact that Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary students across the nation. The CARES Act requires that local education agencies, such as Frederick County Public Schools, provide equitable services to students and teachers in non-public schools.
ESSER monies may be used for a variety of purposes to support private schools during these unprecedented times. Uses may include purchasing resources necessary to meet the school’s needs such as technology, cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment; professional learning for staff on sanitation and minimizing the spread of infectious diseases; providing mental health services and supports to students; planning and implementing summer learning and supplemental afterschool programs; and support for activities that address the unique needs of low income students, children with disabilities, English learners, racial and ethnic minorities, students experiencing homelessness and foster care youth.
Schools interested in receiving federal funds available through ESSER may contact Doreen Bass at Doreen.bass@fcps.org or 301-696-6855 by Monday, May 18, 2020.