US Dept of Ed Approves Virginia’s Plan for Use of American Rescue Plan Funds

The US Department of Education announced its approval of Virginia’s plan for use of American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) funding for K-12 schools. Virginia received $2,110,988,891, which it plans to use to address the needs of students struggling academically as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and to meet the mental and physical health needs of students upon return to school. The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) will provide funds to local school divisions, via competitive grants, for a range of educational needs. VDOE will also invest in after-school programs and assist school divisions with recruitment for instructional positions.