Additional Posts in Teachers
Any tips on investing in crypto? TYIA!
Additional Posts (overall)
an Elementary School ESL Teacher ▸ Teachers
Rising Star
Where's the vaccine?????
Chief
I would love to put this sign on my door
Chief
How many weeks are in a unit plan?
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Did some quick research for those wanting the breakdowns. From the first link: “Chicago Public Schools received $206 million from the ESSER I, which was part of the CARES Act. The district received $796.7 million from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, which was signed into law in January 2021, and is projected to receive $1.78 billion from the American Rescue Plan, which was signed into law in March 2021.”
The second link details what ESSER funds can go to ($206 million from there). Lots of flexibility in use, but it can also be used for expenses the district already incurred like overdue upgrades that would impact student health or remote curriculum for the start of the pandemic. So while they may have the money now, they might use it to offset past costs. My own district did that with some massive purchases of laptops and chrome books for example.
The third link goes into CRRSAA fund allowances ($796.7 million from there). Most of these funds are aimed at higher education institutions, not k-12. So this money doesn’t really factor into whether or not Chicago schools are open or not.
The last link is the American Rescue Plan, for which the $1.78 billion is only projected. So it isn’t money the districts have. Or if they do, they don’t have the money in its entirety. Additionally, it looks like it’s educational usage would be for broadband networks to facilitate online learning, so that money is actually going to help schools stay remote, not stay in person.
So summary off a REALLY quick read:
- $206 million already allocated but some of which might be offsetting initial costs rather than going toward any new endeavors
- $796.7 million for higher education, so minimal impact to k-12 districts
- *projected* $1.78 billion, so it hasn’t yet been realized and seems to encourage projects that allow students to work remotely (not in person)
Conclusion: The Chicago k-12 districts haven’t received billions and probably can’t spend it in the way suggested by the top post. But disclaimer: this was a very quick research dive. I could easily have missed something.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/chicago-public-schools-closed-despite-billions-federal-covid-funding.amp
https://oese.ed.gov/files/2020/05/ESSER-Fund-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/crrsaa.html
https://home.treasury.gov/news/featured-stories/fact-sheet-the-american-rescue-plan-will-deliver-immediate-economic-relief-to-families
Still a little confused on which analysis is in error. Your link contains the plan for ESSER III (American Rescue Plan), so I’m assuming the analysis on ESSER I and CRRSAA is okay. Let me know if it’s not.
The ESSER III funds are still projected, so not all the money is there yet. But let’s assume that it is. According to the pie charts at the bottom of the framework linked to your link, only two sections (representing 32.48% of the $1.78 billion) is allocated for school reopening. The rest of the funds address inequity (that could potentially go to hotspot access or laptops for economically disadvantaged students), more staffing for things like SPED and equity grants, and recovering learning loss. So there’s still only a relatively (emphasis on the relatively) small percentage of money for reopening schools. And this money is still projected, so again, it’s not all in yet.
But regardless, they still don’t have billions for reopening as some pundits are claiming. They have a lot of money, yes, but the bulk of ESSER III is devoted to combating inequity and making up learning loss rather than safely reopening schools.
I received a note about moving to Chicago and joining Chicago Public Schools. I said if I have to join the Chicago Teachers Union, the answer is no. I have no sympathy for them. If you don’t like your contract, don’t sign it. There is no excuse for breaking a contract. If you don’t like working there, then go find somewhere else to work. The CTU clearly does not put children first. Too many teachers in CPS, that aren’t in teaching for the right reasons.
NYMS1 - You might be thinking of the snow day dance. Check TikTok.
Your statement included “If this is true…”
You didn’t do some research into this before posting? What were your sources for this number? We preach to students to check your sources and do your research before posting. Education professionals need do the same. #CitationNeeded
Well, it depends on if you’re looking at an aggregate or just the latest round. The most recent is the potential $1.78 billion, but if you add in the earlier funds mentioned, you get $2.78 billion. Without a link to the original source, I don’t know which number prompted the initial post.
Billions!!! Time will tell... in the meantime I'm burying family members and at 64 with underlying conditions praying that I survive long enough to see my 8 month old grandson go to kindergarten!
Blue states robbing the rest of America!
Chief
Hi CMS1… The term “welfare queen” was coined by President Reagan, when he falsely claimed that Chicago was full of women driving around in Cadillacs that they bought with government handouts. No such persons ever existed, but the narrative stuck. If the term is good enough for the President of the United States, I think I’m allowed to use it, too.
Time and time again, I’m shocked and horrified at people like you being allowed inside a classroom with children. I teach facts that can be backed up with evidence. “Blue states robbing the rest of America” is completely at odds with the facts.