The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) this week submitted the state’s plan for the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III) to the U.S. Department of Education.

The Hawaii State Board of Education (BOE) approved HIDOE’s state plan/application for ESSER III funds on June 17. HIDOE will present a detailed expenditure plan for the funds to the Board in August.

The state’s $412.3 million in ESSER III funds was authorized to provide funding to support Hawaii’s schools in safely reopening and to mitigate learning loss. The relief funds also aim to sustain safe school operations while meeting the academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of students resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of the total funds awarded, 23% is required to address learning loss through evidence-based interventions for students disproportionately impacted by the pandemic; 1% is required to fund summer enrichment programs, and 1% is required to fund comprehensive after-school programs.

Prior to submitting the state plan, HIDOE consulted with stakeholders and provided an opportunity for public input for feedback to incorporate into the state plan.

View the HIDOE state plan for ESSER III here.