How Schools Can Maximize COVID Relief Funds
A little strategic thinking is all it takes to stretch your school’s relief funds.
When the third pandemic stimulus bill (dubbed the
American Rescue Plan) was signed into law, it provided public
school districts across the country a whopping $122 billion in
Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (or ESSER
III) funds. Another $2.75 billion, labeled Emergency Assistance
to Non-Public Schools (or
EANS) funds, was set aside for
non-public schools, as well.
ESSER and EANS funds are
designed to help schools reopen
quickly and safely, as well as
address the months of significant
learning loss by U.S. students
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PHOTO CREDIT MOJO CP
Only now are experts beginning
to understand the full scope
of learning loss brought on by a year-plus of the pandemic – and
initial reports are worrying. An October 2020 McKinsey & Company
report, for example, revealed that U.S. students are at least
1.5 months behind in reading and 3 months behind in math.
Schools can use their funds to remediate learning loss in
several ways, including:
- Investing in furniture and equipment to keep teachers,
students and staff safe and/or distanced during in-person
instruction.
- Purchasing educational technology and remote learning
tools, including hardware, software and connectivity to support
student learning.
- Hiring additional educators and support staff.
Ultimately, it is up to each school to determine what interventions
are best.
Using Funds in Specific School Spaces
To make the most out of your school’s emergency relief funds,
it’s best to think strategically about each space.
In classrooms, for example, opt for mobile and/or single-student desks to allow for social distancing and reconfiguration
possibilities. Tabletop screens are inexpensive and may
protect students from airborne bacteria, while mobile whiteboards
can double as room partitions for group separation.
Consider transforming unused outdoor spaces into classrooms
to account for an increase in outdoor activities and dining.
New picnic tables, benches and portable outdoor sinks can make
a previously unused outdoor space instantly ready for learning.
In labs and makerspaces, think mobile bin shelving to keep
lab supplies for each student separate, or even mobile workstations
to allow greater social distancing. Sanitation equipment
like germicidal cabinets makes it quick and easy to sterilize
shared lab supplies.
In early learning classrooms, opt for antimicrobial rugs, which
inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew. Preschool room
dividers can act as both play panels and social dividers.
In main entryways or common areas, invest in crowd control
stanchions to direct the flow of traffic more safely, as well
as health and safety signage to encourage social distancing and
hand-washing. Spaced-out, single-person lounge chairs can
keep users comfortable yet distanced.
Study carrels can double as social barriers in libraries or
media centers, while additional tech areas can function as before- or after-school workspaces. Choose modular soft seating
sets that can be easily reconfigured
for social distancing.
In cafeterias or “overflow” areas,
new folding cafeteria tables, new
café furniture and/or booth seating
allow for dining and tutoring
while maintaining social distance.
Don’t forget additional waste
receptables to accommodate the
increase of pre-packaged meals.
Pro tip: Consider the use of
UV wands in any learning space to disinfect virtually any surface
in seconds without the use of harsh chemicals. UV wands
are lightweight, portable and ideal for high traffic areas.
Choosing a Vendor You Trust
Choosing a school furniture supplier for your relief funds project
can feel like a daunting task, but it’s worth the time and
effort to pick the vendor who best fits your needs. A good supplier
won’t just sell you furniture; they’ll guide you through the
entire purchasing process, from research and pricing to delivery
and installation.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
Choose a vendor who can offer a wide selection of reliable products
at multiple price points—and, ideally, purchasing programs
like co-ops and contracts. This will save you time and money.
Pick a supplier who will not only understand the vision for
your space but also help plan it. Can they design layouts, choose
products that meet your needs and offer CAD drawings to show
you what the space will look like? Your supplier should be able
to offer multiple quotes for different tiers of layouts.
In some ways, choosing a supplier will be the most important
decision you make – pick the right one, and it’ll feel like
they’re doing the hard work for you, culminating in a learning
environment you love.
This article originally appeared in the Fall 2021 issue of Spaces4Learning.
About the Author
As Vice President of Sales at School Outfitters, Angela Hall works closely with customers, listening to their needs and finding custom solutions. To find out how School Outfitters can create beautiful, functional spaces that fit your budget, call 800-260-2776 or email sales@schooloutfitters.com.