As part of the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (EESER) has been established providing over $13 billion to schools.  The ESSER allocates funds to states which are then allocated to school districts.  The funding can be used for any program that are already allowable under guidelines of other federal education programs.

School districts and charter schools in Pennsylvania can now apply for this funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. NOW is the time for you to talk to your administrators about ESSER funding and how you can use the funding for your music program.

Here are some questions to think about so you can ask for ESSER funding.

• Are all of my music students receiving equitable access to instruction?
• Are there plans for equitable instruction in the future?
• What additional equipment does my program need to ensure music instruction?
• What cleaning protocols are necessary to ensure the safety of music students? Do instruments need to be sent out for repair? Do you need to purchase extra reeds or mouthpieces for students?

As we have talked about when it came to ESSA, Title IV funding, you can do a needs assessment of your program to ensure you are asking for the correct use of funding.  What needs does your program have NOW to ensure students have and will continue to have access to music education?

Once you’ve determined those needs, have a conversation with your administrators AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and ask that you receive some of the ESSER funding.  Applications are now open for school districts and charter schools so time is critical to communication with your administrators so they can include music education in their use of funding.

View proposed allocations to school districts and charter schools on PDE’s website.

If you have any questions, contact us at advocacy@pmea.net and we’ll do our best to assist.