ARP & ESSER Plans
American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) III Fund
The purpose of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) III Fund is to help safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools and address the impacts of COVID-19 on the nation’s students by addressing students’ academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. Richmond City Public Schools has been awarded $122,811,024.85 in ESSER III funds. This plan describes how the awarded funds will be used. Questions about this plan should be directed to Sabrina Beamon, Grant Manager (sbeamon@rvaschools.net).
ARP ESSER Plan ARP Spending Report
Prevention and Mitigation Strategies
ARP Act ESSER III funds may be used to implement prevention and mitigation strategies that are, to the greatest extent practicable, consistent with the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on reopening schools, in order to continuously and safely open and operate schools for in-person learning. Richmond City Public Schools will use approximately $15,000,000 of its ARP Act ESSER III funds over three years to implement prevention and mitigation strategies as described below.
- Hiring of nurses, contact tracing specialists, and other support personnel.
- HVAC upgrades, maintenance and installation.
- Purchase of educational software programs, instructional materials, and sanitation equipment.
- Expansion of funding for substitute teachers.
Addressing Unfinished Learning
Section 2001(e)(1) of the ARP Act requires each LEA to use twenty percent of its formula funds to address the academic impact of lost instructional time (learning loss) through the implementation of evidence-based interventions, such as summer learning or summer enrichment, extended day, comprehensive afterschool programs, or extended school year programs. Richmond City Public Schools will use approximately $68,000,000 [AM2] of its ARP Act ESSER III funds over three years to address unfinished learning via its Extended Day and Literacy Programs as described below.
- $48 million will be spent to help fund remediation and enrichment opportunities via the Extended Day program. Funds will cover the stipends of reading interventionists, literacy teachers, instructional assistants, operations associates, data specialists, bilingual associates for family literacy support, communications specialists, a driver for the Lit Limo, and a “Literacy Czar.” Operation support for the Extended Day program also includes funding for community partners to provide enrichment activities, meals, and transportation.
- $10 million will be used to train staff in effective teaching skills and to build capability to address diverse and exceptional student needs. Funds will assist 40 teachers to earn their Reading Specialist endorsement, 130 teachers to become Literacy Equity Leads, 150 teachers to earn LTRS certification, and 300 teachers to earn a CORE Literacy “badge.” Funds will also provide stipends to plan, execute, and attend a Literacy Institute, a data platform to facilitate teacher professional development, and instructional coaching partnerships.
- $7 million will be spent to fund resources that will provide instructional and learning opportunities for students. These resources include early literacy instruction technology for preschool students, early reader screening tools, classroom libraries, K-5 instructional software, instructional materials for “reading labs” and creative literacy units, and funds for school reading rewards.
Other Uses of Funds
Section 2001(e) of the ARP Act permits school divisions to use the ARP Act ESSER III funding not reserved to address unfinished learning to address the impacts of COVID-19 in a variety of ways. Richmond City Public Schools will use approximately $20,000,000 of its ARP Act ESSER III funds in accordance with Section 2001(e) of the ARP Act. Other Uses of ARP funding include:
- Grant Manager and Office Associate
- Family Liaisons
- Communication Associate for Design Literacy/Academics
- Communication Specialist AV/Digital/Video Production
- Home Visiting Coordinator
- Nursing services
- Printing
- Cell phones
- Professional development for teachers
- Tuition reimbursement
- Teacher certifications
- Instructional Supplies
Addressing Students’ Academic, Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Needs
Richmond City Public Schools will ensure the interventions implemented will respond to the academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of all students, and particularly those students disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including students from low-income families, students of color, English learners, children with disabilities, students experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, and migratory students. Richmond City Public Schools will hire effective staff to provide services to those students most impacted by COVID-19. Through the use of researched based instructional tools, students will have access to instruction and services that will provide students with immediate support and practice opportunities.
Support for students’ academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs will be addressed by:
- Student Support Specialists
- Psychologists
- Counselors
- Social Workers
- Mindfulness Trainers
- Bilingual Associate for Literacy Outreach
- Dropout Recovery Specialists
- Early Childhood Associate Director
- Social Emotional Learning Specialists
- Social Emotional Learning Partnerships
- Supplies for Home Visiting
- Wrap around services for Exceptional Education
- Supports for Exceptional Education
- Software for Preschool
- Stipends for ConGanas and ESL interpreters
- English Learner Curriculum implementation Support
- Instructional Supplies: English Learner Labs
Consultation with Stakeholders and Opportunity for Public Comment
In developing the ARP ESSER Plan, Richmond City Public Schools conducted consultation in the by providing the public the opportunity to provide input. The input received was considered as the plan was developed.
With stakeholders, including students, families, school and district administrators (including special education administrators), teachers, principals, school leaders, other educators, school staff, and their unions, RPS provided opportunities for the community to have input into the ARP spending plan. The public was given the opportunity to address the ARP planning process and expectations at the superintendent’s monthly Advisory Board Meetings, faith-based group round table discussions, and scheduled bi-monthly School Board meetings. In particular, public input was sought after the superintendent’s April 2 School Board presentation of RPS’ Opening with Love and Literacy Plans. The current drafts of these plans respond to the needs assessment conduct by the Division as well as the concerns raised by public comments. Advisory Council meetings are on-going and ARP planning and funding will continue to be monitored and evaluated with public input.
Periodic Review and Revision of Plan
During the period of the ARP ESSER award (until September 2023), RPS will periodically review and, as needed, revise its plan for the safe return to in-person instruction and continuity of services. The plan will be reviewed at least every six months, and RPS will seek and take into account public input during the review process. Plan revisions will address updated CDC guidance on safely reopening schools, if any are issued.
Plan revisions will be discussed during School Board meetings and Superintendent’s Advisory Council Meetings.
The School Board meets on the first and third Monday of each month, beginning at 6:00pm.
The Superintendent’s Advisory Council Meetings are as follows:
Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council – 1st Thursday of the month, 6:00pm
The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council bring together Richmond Public Schools (RPS) high school students to help shape policy, ensure that student voice is a meaningful part of decision making and advocacy efforts, and serves as a bridge between the administration and the student body. For more information, please contact Chief Engagement Office, Dr. Shadae Harris.
Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council – 2nd Tuesday of the month, 6:00pm
Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council brings together 25 parents from diverse backgrounds with the administration to engage in true partners in the educational process. The Parent Advisory Council is divided into three focus groups: Go Far Together, Advocacy, and Parent Resources & Engagement.
Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council – 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6:00pm
The Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council brings together 25 teachers to help shape policy and ensure rigorous and exciting teaching and learning for all our students. For more information contact Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Tracy Epp.
Superintendent’s Principal Advisory Council – 4th Tuesday of the month, 6:00pm
The Superintendent’s Principal Advisory Council allows principals the opportunity to contribute to shaping policy and ensuring RPS is positioned to meet the goals of Dream4RPs.
Making the Plan Available to the Public
RPS has taken the following steps to make this plan available to the public:
- The plan is posted on our website (https://www.rvaschools.net/operating-office/grants-management/arp-esser)
- The plan is available in English and most languages predominantly spoken by the RPS community through our website translation feature;
- The plan may be orally translated for parents. Contact rpslanguagesupport@rvaschools.net to request interpretation services;
- Upon request, a parent who is an individual with a disability as defined by the ADA may be provided with the plan in an alternative format accessible by contacting Renesha Parks at rparks1@rvaschools.net
LEA Plan for Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services (Appendix C)
Section 1: Introduction
The purpose of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) III Fund is to help safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools and address the impacts of COVID-19 on the nation’s students by addressing students’ academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. This plan describes how Richmond City Public Schools (RPS) will maintain the health and safety of students, educators, and other school and division staff during and following the return to full in-person instruction. Questions about this plan should be directed to Sabrina Beamon, Grant Manager (sbeamon@rvaschools.net).
Section 2: Maintaining Health and Safety
RPS has taken and will continue to take actions to ensure the health and safety of students, educators, and other school and division staff during and following the return to full in-person instruction. A description of actions already taken and additional actions planned is below.
RPS has adopted protocols on each of the following safety recommendations.
- Handwashing and respiratory etiquette
- Every classroom and common area has a wall-mounted hand sanitizer station.
- All bathrooms have touchless paper towels and soap dispensers.
- Cleaning and maintaining healthy facilities, including improving ventilation
- Stand Alone HEP filtration units have been placed in all classrooms and common areas.
- Building HVAC systems have upgraded air filters.
- All buses are equipped with air filtration systems and will keep windows open, weather permitting.
- Appropriate accommodations for children with disabilities with respect to health and safety policies are provided.
- Coordination with state and local health officials
- Coordination with state and local health officials will occur if a future need arises.
Section 3: Continuity of Services
RPS has taken and will continue to take actions to ensure continuity of services, including but not limited to services to address students’ academic needs and students’ and staff social, emotional, mental health, and other needs.
Students’ social, emotional, and mental wellbeing remains a top priority. RPS is increasing partnerships with community-based mental health providers such as ChildSavers, Richmond Behavioral Health Authority, and Communities in Schools to provide personalized support to students. Additional resources include the continuation of RPS’ Family Engagement and Support programming, English Language Academic Support, and Center for Families in Transition.
Section 4: Opportunity for Public Comment
In developing the ARP ESSER Plan, RPS sought public input and took such input into account as described below.
The public was given the opportunity to address the ARP planning process and expectations at the superintendent’s monthly Advisory Board Meetings, and scheduled bi-monthly School Board meetings. The current draft of this plan responds to the needs assessment conduct by the Division as well as the priorities raised by public comments. Advisory Council meetings are on-going and ARP planning and funding will continue to be monitored and evaluated with public input. During the 2023-24 school year we will continue to revisit the plan and seek input from all councils.
Section 5: Periodic Review and Revision of Plan
During the period of the ARP ESSER award RPS will periodically review and, as needed, revise its plan for the safe return to in-person instruction and continuity of services. The plan will be reviewed periodically and RPS will seek and consider public input during the review process. Plan revisions will address updated CDC guidance, if any are issued.
Plan revisions will be discussed during School Board meetings and Superintendent’s Advisory Council Meetings.
The Superintendent’s Advisory Council Meetings are as follows:
Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council
The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council brings together Richmond Public Schools (RPS) high school students to help shape policy, ensure that student voice is a meaningful part of decision making and advocacy efforts, and serves as a bridge between the administration and the student body. For more information, please contact the Chief Engagement Office, Dr. Shadae Harris.
Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council
The Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council brings together 25 parents from diverse backgrounds with the administration to engage in true partners in the educational process.
Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council
The Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council brings together 25 teachers to help shape policy and ensure rigorous and exciting teaching and learning for all our students.
Superintendent’s Principal Advisory Council
The Superintendent’s Principal Advisory Council allows principals the opportunity to contribute to shaping policy and ensuring RPS is positioned to meet the goals of Dream4RPs.
Section 6: Making the Plan Available to the Public
RPS has taken the following steps to make this plan available to the public:
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The plan is posted at https://www.rvaschools.net/operating-office/grants-management/arp-esser.
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The plan is available in English, Spanish, and many other languages using our website translation tool.
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The plan may be orally translated for parents. Contact Luis Martinez (lmartin3@rvaschools.net).
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Upon request, a parent who is an individual with a disability as defined by the ADA may be provided with the plan in an alternative format accessible by contacting Ms. Regina Switzer-Ellis (rswitzer2@rvaschools.net). Any request for ADA accommodations should be submitted to Dr. Rossi Volley (rvolley2@rvaschools.net).