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Report

School Rescue Funds Implementation Program Report 2024

Leading State and Local Efforts to Ensure American Rescue Plan Act Investments Are Used to Create Safe, Just, and Equitable Learning Environments for Every Student
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Introduction

How Funds are Used

From summer and afterschool programs to increases in educator pay, here are examples of how school districts used rescue funds throughout the country.

Implementation Grant Program

The passage of the historic American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dedicated more than $170 billion in funding to K–12 schools and higher education institutions, providing the National Education Association (NEA) with an unprecedented opportunity to reshape the future of public education for students, educators, and communities across the country.

To ensure NEA members have a say in how ARPA funds are used, the NEA created the School Rescue Funds (SRF) Implementation Grant Program to provide state affiliates with dedicated staff, expertise, resources, and networking opportunities to create safe, just, and equitable learning environments for every student across race, place, background, and ability.

Through this program, the NEA is providing state affiliates up to $100,000 per year for up to three years or until December 31, 2024. State affiliates must use these funds to hire or backfill a coordinator dedicated to the implementation of ARPA funds in their states.

Collectively, the state coordinators form the SRF Coordinators Network. The work of the state coordinators has evolved over the course of the implementation campaign—from demanding that school districts meaningfully consult with NEA members on the use of funds, as required, to identifying alternative funding sources to sustain NEA member priorities once the federal dollars expire.

Goals of the Grant Program

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Provide Our Solutions

Share the power and effectiveness of educator solutions to address COVID-19 opportunity gaps and bridge toward lasting education equity.

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Raise Our Voices

Ensure educator voice is an essential component of securing the ARPA resources that schools and students need and receive.

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Assert Our Power

Seize this opportunity to show existing and potential members proof of their power to make change and the power of belonging to America’s largest labor union.

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Reinforce the Power of Our Vote

Seize on opportunities created by the American Rescue Plan Act to bolster champions for public education.

Miguel Cardona
Imagine the headlines if the money didn’t go to schools. How many teachers would have been eliminated? What would the class sizes be?

Coordinators Network

By the Numbers

38

State Affiliate Grant Applications Approved

33

SRF Coordinators in Place

2.5K+

Local Plans Collected and Analyzed

681K+

Member Contacts Made

2.7K+

Members Recruited

$2.75 Billion+

ARPA Funds Allocated to NEA Priorities Through the SRF Coordinators Network

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School Rescue Funds Digital Campaign

In 2022, the NEA released a series of videos highlighting real stories that features the voices of NEA members who have advocated within their local associations for ARPA funds to be allocated where they are needed most—toward educator retention bonuses, reduced class sizes, additional social-emotional learning staff in schools, and more.

The series was part of a national advertising campaign that included more than $1 million in digital advertising to bolster ARPA’s champions and hold accountable those unwilling to address historic inequities. The videos display the importance of educator voices in funding and policy decisions and the power of the union, highlighting key stories that emphasize the impact of school rescue funds on districts throughout the country.

ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS

By leveraging the flexibility of ARPA funds, NEA members and local affiliates have achieved wins that address both the urgent needs of students and educators now and support changes that will positively impact schools in the years ahead. There are several issue areas in which the Network has identified as emerging more frequently among education associations, members, and communities and in district-level allocation decisions, including:
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Student Success

States and school districts were required to set aside a portion of their ARPA funds to address academic recovery, which included summer learning and comprehensive afterschool programs. In addition, states and school districts made funding decisions in collaboration with NEA affiliates to invest in tutoring programs, mental health supports, social and emotional learning, smaller class sizes, and preschool expansion. In July, an Education Week Research Center survey of teachers, school leaders, and district administrators found that “70 percent said they are confident their students will end the 2023–2024 school year on grade level. Of that 70 percent, 25 percent said they were either “extremely” or “very” confident.”

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School Safety Improvements

COVID-19 prompted new attention and dedication to ensuring the safety of students and staff. ARPA funds are being used around the country to upgrade facilities to improve health and safety infrastructure in schools, including ventilation systems and mold remediation. According to an Education Week article published on October 5, 2023, a key conclusion from a recently published study of the far-reaching effects of school district investments in school facilities is that student test scores can be expected to rise significantly after the district invests to upgrade HVAC systems and roofs, especially in historically under-resourced districts and those marginalized districts serving students of color. The paper concludes that students benefit most when degraded facilities get better.

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Staff Shortages

ARPA funds have been used to support recruitment and retention programs to address staff shortages among educators, which are impacting school districts nationwide. According to a U.S. Department of Education May 15, 2023, press release, as of July 2022, with the help of these funds, the number of school social workers is up 48 percent, the number of school nurses is up 42 percent, and the number of school counselors and school psychologists are each up 10 percent—in comparison to the pre-pandemic period.

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Wages and Bonuses

Our members have won retention bonuses and salary schedule increases for educators, including classroom teachers, education support professionals, and specialized instructional support personnel.

Reticence by school districts to use nonrecurring funds for recurring expenses is the primary challenge that local education associations face. Many local education associations have challenged the reticence and won at the bargaining table by mobilizing educators, parents, and students on their behalf.

Our coordinator worked with bargaining teams, which was crucial to achieving sizable salary increases at the bargaining table. The school board was saying it lacked the funds to give sizable salary increases but the raw ESSER data showed the school did have more than enough funds with which to come to an agreement on salary.
Quote by: Jeff Fannon, Executive Director, Vermont-NEA

Local and State Wins

As the SRF Coordinators Network has expanded, state and local affiliates have been achieving success across the country. Here are highlights of these success stories.

Dillingham, Alaska, a community of approximately 2,200 residents, used ARPA funds for student travel to Anchorage to visit college campuses and attend college classes. The district additionally used ARPA funds to provide new opportunities for students to engage in the learning process through museum visits, cultural exploration, and libraries.
Colorado educators won a $3 per hour raise for all hourly employees for the 2022–2023 school year and a subsequent $1 per hour raise for the 2023–2024 school year to address the educator shortages being experienced across the country and ensure students have the high-quality attention and dedication they need.
The Boise, Idaho, school district, which employs the highest concentration of experienced and qualified educators in the state, utilized ARPA funds to protect their most vulnerable students. The district has a large population of refugee students and broad income inequality; educators in the district organized to mitigate the impacts of remote learning on these populations, including using ARPA funds to launch a robust lunch delivery program and ensure vulnerable students received nutrition assistance.
Anchor Bay, Michigan, public schools have used federal funds to add academic coaches, literacy tutors, and a dedicated literacy coach for each of their seven elementary schools. These specialists work together to provide scaled support before, during, and after school to previously underserved students.
Flint, Michigan, educators won a $22,500 retention bonus to address historic pay inequity. The retention bonus is paid to every educator following each of the subsequent three semesters. Flint dedicated 3 percent of ARPA funds to staff retention and recruitment to ensure students receive high-quality educational experiences from dedicated educators.
Nevada utilized $28 million of ARPA funds to provide an additional year of universal free meals to students in 2022–2023; previously, the state had utilized $78 million, a portion of which came from ARPA funding, to provide universal free meals throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The state additionally allocated $7.5 million to assist school districts in hiring 100 new mental health support professionals in school-based positions to support students’ social and emotional learning needs.
New York City devoted a total of $1.98 billion of ARPA funds toward early childhood education, including the full expansion of the city’s 3-K initiative. The 3-K program focused on children who had not yet attended public school at the beginning of the pandemic. By proactively expanding the program, New York City is able to provide an introduction to public education for thousands of students.
The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, school district announced a $125 million project funded by ARPA to rehabilitate learning environments across eight buildings. Goals include improving heating and cooling systems—including the installation of new boilers, hot water piping, unit vents, and various other heating equipment—and replacing central chiller systems in two buildings previously affected by extreme heat.
Vermont created the ARP School Indoor Air Quality Grant Program, which allocated $15 million to local educational agencies through grants to improve school ventilation.
Montpelier, Vermont, utilized ARPA funds to provide free tele-mental health services to all students and educators in the district. To date, more than 400 students and educators have been provided access to mental health care that supports their growth and allows them to thrive.
Virginia utilized $250 million in ARPA funds to upgrade air quality systems in public schools, matched with $250 million in other locally distributed relief funding. The funding will allow for the completion of almost all of the 463 planned HVAC projects across the Commonwealth.
In Virginia, Staunton City Public Schools used ARPA funding to reimburse education employees for child care costs for children up to age 12. Similarly, the Harrisonburg City Council moved forward with a child care support program, using $600,000 in ARPA funds. These critical funds provided safety and security for the families of education professionals as they returned to in-person learning environments.
Roane County, West Virginia, used ARPA funds to reduce class sizes to fewer than 20 students per class in all elementary schools grades K–4. The county saw improved test scores and reduced discipline issues in those classes despite COVID-19 setbacks.
Fayette County, West Virginia, used ARPA funds to provide a classroom aide for grades 1–3. This program became part of a statewide initiative to provide aides over the next three years to all grade 1–3 classrooms with more than 10 students.
Green River, Wyoming, hired additional school wellness counselors in the district using ARPA funds. The district also offers access to a program called School Pulse, which allows students to reach therapeutic services by QR code 24 hours a day.
WEA's Teacher Residency Program
WEA's Teacher Residency Program

In Washington, the state utilized ARPA funds and tapped the Washington Education Association to create a “for educators, by educators” union-run teacher residency program. This historic first-of-its-kind program deserves national attention for two reasons. First, the ARPA ESSER funds were invested as intended—to make long-term transformational changes in public schools in Washington State. Second, the WEA recognized from the outset the need to identify and secure funding to sustain the program beyond the ESSER funds’ expiration. The program will transition to an apprenticeship model in the 2025–2026 school year, with funding from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The WEA created this program to prepare educators to serve Washington’s diverse learners and communities while also dismantling institutional systems that cause harm to students and educators. In particular, the program will help address educator shortages in special education. In its first year, the program has 16 residents participating across three sites: Federal Way, Mukilteo, and Walla Walla. The WEA intends to double the number of residents participating in the 2024–2025 academic year.

This teacher residency program offers a model for other states, demonstrating how to hold high standards for residents while also reducing barriers to entry into the teaching profession.

Learn more about WEA’s teacher residency program

Michigan Education Association (MEA) member Karen Storey spent over a decade creating a therapy dog program for her district in Brighton, Michigan. The work of the Pack of Dogs program has drawn local and national coverage.

With Pack of Dogs serving as the model, districts in Michigan have expanded the program using ARPA funds. They have also utilized ARPA funds to expand the program, implementing it in Colorado, Oklahoma, and Virginia.

 

Organizing Wins

Organizing has been critical to the success of the SRF implementation campaign. NEA experts and SRF coordinators have shared trainings and resources with fellow coordinators, showcasing successful advocacy for ARPA funds. These trainings have highlighted best practices, introduced coordinators to work being done by member leaders as part of NEA’s Year-Round Organizing program, and led to action that has seen tremendous impacts around the country.

Alaska Icon
The NEA–Alaska created a guidebook for local education associations to use in their advocacy work, which included policy information, specific funding details, and research on best practices for each district in the state.
Michigan Icon
The Michigan Education Association created a school board-level electoral organizing plan that was successful in defeating numerous hostile candidates, secured victories in more than 75 percent of endorsed races, and utilized ARPA funds as an issue to activate members and hold accountable candidates opposing strong and safe public schools in the 2020 election. Following the election, the state’s SRF coordinator convened several meetings with incoming school board members to brief them on allowable uses, best practices, and requirements surrounding ARPA funds.
South Carolina Icon
The South Carolina Education Association created an organizing campaign to activate members around the usage of ARPA funds that included direct building-based outreach, text message and phone outreach, and digital outreach and organizing. This outreach connected educators and community allies directly with students and their families to advocate for the successful usage of ARPA funds.
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The Vermont–NEA has held trainings for staff, state affiliate organizers, local associations, and member leaders to provide organizing strategies, resources, and support for districts advocating for ARPA funds.
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In San Antonio, Texas, an SRF coordinator worked with the San Antonio Alliance of Teachers and Support Personnel to create a robust campaign that has won major victories in ARPA fund allocation. By creating a network of educators and supporters of public education, the alliance was able to canvass, phone bank, and organize members and parents to share critical information and promote activism. The alliance hosted public forums on the uses of school rescue funds and ran a public campaign, which resulted in significant retention bonuses for educators district-wide to address staff shortages. Additionally, the alliance secured funding for high-quality personal protective equipment for educators and students and promoted a public organizing action in support of smaller class sizes and public health safety in schools. The work of the alliance continues to build the power and impact of the union on both ARPA-specific issues and as an organizing body for educators.
The work that we have been able to do through the SRF Coordinators Network has been invaluable. Through this program, we have reached more than 14 targeted locals and worked with them to ensure the funds were utilized to improve the lives of students and members. In addition, the work that we did through the program helped The South Carolina Education Association grow by 1,223 full-time active new members. This growth has helped The SCEA identify 32 new local leaders, where ongoing labor management meetings are being held around the terms and conditions of employment for our members.
Quote by: Todd Jaeck, Executive Director, South Carolina Education Association

Training and Support

The SRF Implementation Grant Program places a significant emphasis on training and building the capacity of the Network to more effectively advocate for modern, safe, supportive, and future-focused public education and achieve positive outcomes in participating states.

The Network’s training programs are tailored to provide coordinators with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the complexities of education policy, effectively advocate for member priorities, and construct a public narrative that highlights the successful uses of the school rescue funds. Coordinators have received guidance on building strategic partnerships, conducting data-driven research, and engaging with diverse stakeholders, from community leaders to policymakers. These resources empower them to assist state and local affiliates, members, and school districts in making informed decisions.

The Network also offers ongoing support to coordinators, including access to resources, expert guidance from the NEA and partner organizations, and a collaborative community where coordinators can exchange best practices and seek advice from peers. Coordinators meet biweekly for training sessions and presentations from policy and skill experts, and they share threats, opportunities, and best practices.

It is through this combination of training, resources, and ongoing support that NEA empowers coordinators to be effective and passionate advocates for equitable, safe, healthy, and inclusive public schools.

NEA worked hard to advocate for the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act and we knew we couldn’t rest and hope for the best after it passed. Hope is not a strategy. When you have an investment in public education as historic as this, it’s critical to mobilize and do all you can to ensure equitable implementation. That is what our network is designed to do and that’s’ what it is doing.
Quote by: Daaiyah Bilal-Threats, Senior Director, Education Policy and Implementation Center, NEA

In-Person Convenings

The SRF Coordinators Network has hosted three in-person meetings of state coordinators. These biannual networking and training opportunities have been critical to coordinator development.

At each convening, coordinators heard from senior Biden Administration leaders—including Deputy Assistant Secretary of Education Adam Schott, former Assistant Secretary of Education James Lane, and National Coordinator of ARPA for the White House Gene Sperling. These conversations allowed coordinators to share directly with senior education policy leaders about their successes and challenges as well as how the Biden Administration can help ensure school rescue funds promote the interests of students, educators, schools, and the administration. Coordinators also stressed the importance of meaningful consultation with local education associations and educators as required by ARPA.

“Meaningful consultation is now on my radar, thanks to you.” 

—Gene Sperling, National Coordinator of ARPA, The White House

Coordinators received policy briefings and training in areas including member organizing, digital communications, collective bargaining, data analysis, and sustainability of funding from NEA experts and partner organizations, such as the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Each convening builds on the knowledge and training gained at previous convenings, forming a strong foundation for coordinators as they continue to advocate for effective use and allocation of school rescue funds.

The ability to sustain wins will depend on convincing the public that school rescue funds are necessary and are being used to make a difference for students and schools across the country. The 2024 election is where that debate will play out. To win the public narrative and the public’s support for education funding, coordinators received additional training on story development, collection, and advocacy organizing at the most recent convening in October 2023.

Looking Forward

As we approach the third anniversary of the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act and the deadline to use ARPA funds, the SRF Coordinators Network is poised to ensure continued success in the use of ARPA funds, highlighting critical wins, sustaining successful programs, and advocating for sufficient education funding.

What's to Come

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Strengthening Advocacy and Collaborations

The Network recognizes the importance of continuous advocacy to secure sustainable funding for education. As ARPA funds are non-recurring, the SRF Coordinators Network will concentrate on collaboration with local, state, and national entities to advocate for the long-term financial stability of our educational institutions.

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Embracing Innovative and Evidence-Based Uses of Funds

To maximize the impact of ARPA funds and set the stage for sustainable funding, the Network will continue to highlight innovative and evidence-based uses of funds. Recognizing the diverse needs of states, the Network will prioritize identifying successful models and strategies that can be adapted and implemented effectively.

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Preparing for the September 2024 Deadline and Beyond

As the September 2024 deadline for using ARPA funds approaches, the Network will continue to hold districts accountable for investing every dollar effectively in the interest of our students and members. The Network will work to ensure this historic investment won’t go to waste by continuing to monitor and evaluate how funds are utilized with a focus on unexpended funds.

Further, the Network will concentrate on sustainable funding mechanisms for programs that may otherwise be discontinued when ARPA funds expire. By highlighting existing federal programs and funding sources and assisting in identifying new sources, states and districts will be better prepared to maintain support for students and educators.

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Expanding Outreach and Engagement

Approaching the 2024 election, the Network recognizes the significance of educating the public about the vital role that ARPA funds played in helping public schools recover from the pandemic. Accordingly, plans include expanding outreach efforts, deepening story collection and development, and raising awareness of the impact this historic policy has on students.

National Education Association

Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.