ED released two-thirds of each state's ARP ESSER allocation in March, with the remaining one-third of funds to be released upon approval of the ARP ESSER state plan.

Congressional panel discusses how ARP ESSER funds will address unfinished learning,d keep classrooms open and improve outcomes for students.

Build Back Better Act that includes billions of dollars in funds for early childhood care and universal pre-K, school construction, educator professional development, and school meal programs

He also says that the federal government will pay any educator whose salary is withheld from their state as punishment for mask mandates.

Alaska, Connecticut, Illinois, and Louisiana have plans approved. To date, 46 states and D.C. have submitted plans for review.

The districts require students and staff to wear masks without letting parents opt out, which the state says is in violation of an executive order by Gov. Ron DeSantis that restricts mask mandates in schools.

Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona wrote to the governors and state education chiefs of Florida and Texas, saying their moves against masks will threaten in-person instruction.

State are using ESSER funds to prevent the spread of COVID, to support students most impacted by the pandemic and open vaccination sites at schools