Jackson Schools Looking For Tutoring Resources, Transportation Through ESSER

The Jackson County School System is focusing on capital projects and learning loss in its latest ESSER application.

Director of Schools Kristy Brown said the district is applying to put awnings on school buildings and outdoor classrooms. However, Brown said the district decided to go above and beyond what is required for learning loss spending to make the biggest difference possible.

“Those funds would be paying for additional tutoring before and after school, the transportation after school,” Brown said. “To take students home after the tutoring. I think more students will be able to participate if we’re able to do that.”

Brown said that with the application sent out, hopefully the district will get feedback soon in case any tweaks or improvements to the ESSER 3.0 plan are needed. She said the application also includes applying for academic coaches, more teaching assistants and curriculum supplements.

“I think the minimum investment for learning loss from anybody’s ESSER funding, from any district’s ESSER funding is 20 percent,” Brown said. “We certainly will be going above and beyond that just in one of the ESSER grants. We’re at a little over 40 percent of an investment in that.”

Brown said that when it comes to using ESSER for capital projects, more oversight happens. She said that includes additional layers of approval, and adhering to federal regulations.