Updated K-12 Stimulus Spending Data Released

The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) released updated survey data from 116 ASBO member school districts across 38 states providing more information about how districts spent federal stimulus funds awarded during the height of the COVID pandemic. The latest report, “ESSER In Action: K-12 Spending Priorities, Successes & Challenges,” compares the spending of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds between the second tranche of stimulus funds in December 2020, “ESSER II” and the third, through the American Rescue Plan Act in March 2021, “ESSER III.”

“Addressing Learning Loss” remained the top spending priority for both rounds of funding, with an increase in importance from 82% to 91% respectively. “Mental Health Services” jumped in priority from 65% during ESSER II to 80% for ESSER III funds. “Technology and Broadband Investments” remained constant with 73-74% reporting it as a priority.

Factors that influenced spending reflected current challenges in districts, including rising student mental health and social-emotional needs, the potential for sustainability of expenditures, and the need for academic intervention to counteract learning losses.

Access the report here.