Vision and Five Areas of Focus

As part of the federal government’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, school districts across the country will receive additional funding to support student need in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Elmira City School District will receive an allocation of almost $21.5 million to invest in our students’ education over the next three years. This is a once in a generation infusion of funds that gives us the opportunity to truly reimagine education in our District.

As part of a process of comprehensive planning and stakeholder engagement, the ECSD will use ARP funds to support the District's 5 key strategic priorities. 

>>Download the full Elmira City School District 2020-2024 Application here.

ARP Funding Priorities for the ECSD include:

1. Afterschool, Summer and Academic Learning Loss Programs (including Special Education)

Examples include: ARCADE, APEX, ESAP, IAL, Music/Art/PE Teachers, Aide Support on Buses, Summer BOOST, Tutoring, English/Math Teachers, Teaching Assistants, DCCs, PINE

2. Social and Emotional Learning

Examples include: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator, Glovehouse, CASA Trinity, Family Services Social Workers, Family Community Outreach Coordinators, Hope Squad, School Based Mental Health Counseling, Grief and Loss Counseling, Children’s Integrated Services, YAP

3. Health and Safety

Examples include: Health and Safety Coordinator, Nurse Practitioner, COVID testing staff, Backpack Sprayers, Hand Sanitizer Stations, Cleaning Supplies, PPE

4. Technology

Examples include: 1:1 Devices, VideoConference Cameras, Promethean ActivPanels, Panel Micro PC, Educational Software

5. Facilities

Examples include: HVAC, Touchless Fixtures in Bathrooms/Classrooms, Bottle Filling Stations, Outdoor Learning Spaces

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The Elmira City School District has constructed a team to manage the American Rescue Plan ESSER Fund.  As a recipient of these funds, the District will follow all protocols outlined in the state plan and do so with ongoing stakeholder engagement.

Our Planning Team

Derek Almy, Director of Student Services
Hillary J. Austin, Superintendent of Schools
Sara Courson, Education Grant Specialist
Jay Hillman, Director of Educational Services
Joe Magliocca, Director of Facilities
Stacy McCauley, Grants Supervisor
Melissa Mendolera, District Business Officer
Josh Miller, Director of Technology
Jake Sheehan, Director of Administration

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Stakeholder Engagement and Input 

Please note: Stakeholder Engagement is a regular and proactive part of our planning. See STAKEHOLDER INPUT AND DATA for community input and data that was collected as a way to help inform our planning efforts.

Soliciting and incorporating public input into our ARP ESSER plan is required by NYSED. We are seeking stakeholder input throughout our planning process through surveys, meetings with community agencies and ongoing presentations.

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Planning Timeline

Project Period: 3/13/20 – 9/30/24
Planning Period 5/05/21-6/30/21

Step 1: Discovery Phase, including Stakeholder Input and Review of Plan
Step 2: Budget Allocation Planning
Step 3: Program Planning and Implementation
Step 4: Measure for Success (ongoing)

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