Here is an ESSER playground from Jefferson Parish, LA.
ESSER, also known as the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, was created after the Coronavirus Pandemic to help schools reopen safely and bridge the gaps in education. The United States government awarded $122 billion to the States, with around $2.6 billion assigned to Louisiana and $1.6 billion assigned to Mississippi. These funds filtered into Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) with each school district/ county allotted specific funds to use for recreation equipment, classroom technology, and all other needs necessary to help students thrive. These millions of dollars could metamorphose your learning environment, school facilities, and recreation facilities.
What most school districts don’t know is that these funds are still available for use! Under the Tydings Amendment in the ESSER document, funds may be spent until September 30th, 2024. The Tydings Amendment outlines that the funds must be liquidated by January 28, 2025, so if you were to purchase a playground with your ESSER funds it must be installed by that date. There is also a proposal based extension that schools can apply for that would extend the liquidation date to March 31st, 2026.
This playground is at Escatapawa Elementary in Mississippi. This is another example of what your ESSER funds could go to!
Check to see what your district’s plan is for their ESSER funds here (MS link here)! Check out these resources Pelican Playgrounds created for both Louisiana and Mississippi. It is imperative to spend these funds on enriching equipment, such as playground/ outdoor equipment, that will help them build communication and motor skills they will need for a lifetime of success!
Make sure to attend the Pelican Playgrounds ESSER Webinar to learn more about how these funds can transform your schools! The webinar is on Wednesday, February 21st at 11:00 am CST. You can register here for the webinar. We can’t wait to see you!
