Wyoming Submits Plan For Federal Relief Dollars for Education

The Wyoming Department of Education has submitted its plan to the U.S. Department of Education  for federal relief dollars for education. The Department of Education is now taking public comment on the plan. The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act includes $303,709,391 in ARP Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds for Wyoming. Funds will be distributed by the WDE directly to school districts based on the formula already established by Title I, Part A. 

Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow said submitting a plan was required by the U.S. Department of Education and that Wyoming’s plan looks different than most states because schools in Wyoming were open during the 2020-21 school year.  Balow said school districts and community partners have a unique opportunity to strengthen teaching and learning for all students, especially those most negatively impacted by COVID-19 and its associated effects.

Each state is required to reserve a portion of the ARP ESSER funds for statewide activities that extend and enrich the school day experience. Wyoming will focus on activities that strengthen collaborations between schools and community-based organizations, such as afterschool and summer programs. ARP ESSER State Plan and supporting documents can be found here. Public comment can be provided here.