Federal Programs

USE OF FUNDS PLAN & AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN

The federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) provides coronavirus stimulus relief for public schools. Mustang Public Schools is committed to the Safe Return and Continuity of Services as we enter the 2021-2022 school year and plan to utilize the funds available through ARP. The funds available require 20% to be used to address student learning loss, with all other funds being eligible for any activity authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in addition to activities to help with the response to COVID-19.

Mustang Public Schools has developed the district Learning Plan, which addresses the Safe Return and Continuity of Services expectations. With the assistance of stakeholders, a plan is in place to provide appropriate in-school opportunities for all students. As we examine the district needs, we have areas to address with the funds provided through the American Rescue Plan. The following information includes the district Use of Funds plan.

Part 1: Strategies for Prevention and Mitigation of COVID-19

The 2020-21 school year provided data to support the need for in-person learning at our schools. Students learn and perform at a higher level when they have a structured learning environment with a teacher in a face-to-face setting. While we understand the pandemic could cause continued disruption of services, prevention and mitigation strategies are critical for the continuity of services.

Use of ARP funds may include the integration of services to assist in prevention and mitigation strategies. We plan to purchase devices to provide students learning options in the event of quarantine or school site closure. Implementation of our Learning Management Systems, Canvas and SeeSaw, allow students to continue learning content if they are away from the school site. Teachers provide lesson information and content in the Learning Management System and can provide learning opportunities. The district will continue the successful cleaning and mitigation practices put in place last school year. Plant Operation will also be addressed as it relates to COVID-19 mitigation. We ensure buildings are cleaned and sanitized to limit student exposure to COVID-19; these cleaning and mitigation practices provide a safe learning environment.

Part 2: Strategies for Addressing Learning Loss

The district will reserve 20% of allocated funds under section 2001(c)(1) of the ARP Act to add interventions to address the academic impact of lost instructional time with the implementation of evidence-based interventions. The chance to provide interventions provides a unique opportunity, and we look forward to providing additional supports to our students needing resources for success. We have plans to utilize our ARP funds to implement interventions that will reach students with academic deficiencies. These interventions will be supplemental to our comprehensive learning opportunities provided in the school day by certified instructors. We will continually monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and work to ensure all students in need of intervention receive needed resources.

Part 3: Other ARP Expenditures

The use of ARP funds, beyond the 20% dedicated to learning loss, will include items mentioned previously in Part I to address prevention and mitigation of COVID-19. Additional expenditures will contribute to activities authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Expenses may include staffing to ensure opening and maintaining safe schools, technology infrastructure to ensure any distant learning opportunities are successful, expenditures related to plant management/operation, the purchase of property/building to expand opportunities for secondary students, the construction of classroom space for elementary students, provision of quality mental health supports, and expenditures related to the district’s desire to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.

Part 4: Ensuring Most Vulnerable Populations, Unique Needs Are Addressed

Mustang Public Schools will ensure that the interventions it implements, including but not limited to interventions implemented under section 2001(e)(1) of the ARP Act, address the academic impact of lost instructional time. The activities 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.

The interventions will be provided to all students and particularly our students disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Those disproportionately impacted include students from low-income families, students of color, English learners, children with disabilities, students experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, and migratory students. Our district is committed to providing needed support and resources for our students that have the greatest need.  A braided funding stream will allow the district to maximize services to vulnerable populations.

Mustang Public Schools is excited about the opportunity to utilize the American Rescue Plan funding. Our students will benefit from the resources and interventions made available with this program. Through the difficulties of the pandemic, we know our students will need additional supports to be successful. Addressing learning loss is desired, and addressing social, emotional health is critical for student progress.