ESSER

As part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, Virginia Beach City Public Schools will receive $82,502,193.98 through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) III fund. VBCPS must reserve at least 20% of funds to address learning loss through the implementation of evidence-based interventions and ensure that those interventions respond to students’ social, emotional, and academic needs and address the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on underrepresented student subgroups. The grant award period is March 13, 2020, through September 30, 2024.

ARP Act ESSER III Plan

The ARP Act ESSER III plan describes how the awarded funds will be used. Please note that this is a preliminary plan of action and is subject to change depending on varying needs across the district and updated guidance from the Virginia Department of Education. Questions about this plan should be directed to the Office of Budget Development at PandemicRelief@vbschools.com.

View The Plan

Opportunity for Public Comment

VBCPS sought input from stakeholders in the development of spending priorities in the following areas as it relates to the impacts of COVID-19 on schools:

• Learning Loss
• Prevention and Mitigation Strategies for Safe School Operation
• Academic, Social, Emotional and Mental Health
• Other areas necessary to address the impacts of COVID-19 and recovery efforts

Stakeholders were invited to participate in a brief survey to provide input on how these funds should be allocated to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on student learning and well-being. Input was also collected from public comment at advertised school board meetings and individual communications received at the school and division planning level. 

Periodic Review and Revision of Plan

During the period of the ARP ESSER award (until September 2024), Virginia Beach City Public Schools 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 Virginia Beach City Public Schools 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.

Making the Plan Available to the Public

Virginia Beach City Public Schools have taken the following steps to make this Return to School Safely information is available to the public:

• The Return to School Safely information is posted at vbschools.com.
• The Return to School Safely information is available in multiple languages using Google translation language options in the tool bar above.
• The Return to School Safely information may be orally translated for families through the use of our translation service, Voiance Language Services, and in Spanish through our Family and Community Engagement office. For translation of this plan, please contact 757-263-1821.
• Upon request, a parent who is an individual with a disability as defined by the ADA may be provided a hard copy of this information for review at the School Administration Building.

*Last updated June 1, 2023 and last reviewed on June 1, 2023.