ESSER Drama Continues
Wisconsin is joining a lawsuit by three other states challenging the Secretary of Education’s Interim Final Rule on ESSER Funds.
Meanwhile, the US Department of Education (USDE) is taking comments about the rule, which calls for a “total enrollment” formula for distributing the Coronavirus aid. Your action is needed. Please make comments on the rule by going here. For arguments why the USDE formula is best, see WCRIS’s letter to the DPI.
Given the lawsuit, are ESSER funds going to be distributed?
Yes. WCRIS is working with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) on how ESSER funds can be released for the start of the new school year, given the lawsuit. Stay tuned for further developments in the coming days.
When you receive the ESSER affirmation form from your local school district you must check “yes” that you wish to participate and sign and return the form to your district.
If your school intends to participate and agrees to consult with your district and if after consultation, you do not feel the program design is equitable or that the consultation was not timely and meaningful, you should indicate on the Affirmation of Consultation for ESSER form by checking “no” in the verification section of the form.
Checking “no” on the Affirmation form alerts the Ombudsman for review. The Ombudsman is responsible for providing mediation to private schools and their local districts.
If you do not sign and return the form, your school is at risk of being excluded from participating in the ESSER funds.
If you have any questions, please contact the Wisconsin Private School Ombudsman at essaombudsman@dpi.wi.gov.
