ESSER Investments

Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding is aimed at helping schools nationwide recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Congress has sent one-time federal funding to school districts to meet immediate, short-term needs for health and safety improvements, learning enhancements and supports, and programs that help students get back on track with their learning. $70,851,866 in ARP ESSER funding has been allocated to TPS for use through the 2023-24 school year. 100% of funds are planned and support priority investments in learning acceleration, safety, continuity of operations, whole child and educator supports, educational technology, and facility improvements.

If we create a comprehensive study evaluating a centralized kitchen and centralized services, it will allow us to increase the quality of food and procurement opportunities. 

If we provide our K-12 students with engaging, high-quality, rigorous, and relevant digital and printed core and supplemental curriculum, it will increase literacy and overall student academic outcomes  

If we update and increase the number of instruments available at all of our schools, it will create equitable access to high quality, functioning instruments and an enriching, well-rounded educational experience for all students.

If we invest time and resources in developing our staff in diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, it will translate into more equitable systems, experiences, and outcomes for students.

If we provide and maintain modern technology devices for all students, we will provide students access to flexible learning opportunities and ensure equitable access to online learning resources. 

If we hire additional support staff for tasks related to COVID-19 safety, we will have healthier and safer schools and relieve the burden on current school staff.

If we provide tutoring services for students, then we will accelerate the academic growth of our students and increase their engagement in school. 

If we increase the number of quality mental health providers in schools, we will be able to increase the number of students served, ensuring that all students have access to quality mental health care. 

If we create and curate high-quality digital instructional content, we will equip teachers with the resources they need to meet student needs and provide families and students access to customized support. 

If we adopt and implement high quality SEL curricula at all grade levels, we will be more effective at teaching students essential life skills to support their social, emotional, and academic growth.

If we provide community based support programs and expanded learning opportunities for students and families, we will disrupt racial and socio-economic disparities in learning and achievement exacerbated by the pandemic.

If we hire and retain high quality nursing staff, we will further reduce the spread of COVID-19, increase care to the TPS community, and facilitate the navigation of health protocols. 

If we provide students with updated and culturally relevant library books, students will grow their understanding of the world around them. 

If we provide students with opportunities to experience and explore a variety of career pathways, we will enable students to find their passion and experience success post-graduation. 

If we streamline communication around COVID-19 for school personnel, students, and families, we will build a stronger response system that reduces the spread of COVID-19. 

If we provide students with programming that fosters caring adult-student relationships and sparks passion among students, we will support and develop our students’ social and emotional regulation, increase their engagement, and build their understanding of their interests. 

If we provide our counselors with professional development, ongoing coaching, and supplemental resources to grow their skills, it will improve the quality of services we provide to students.

If we continue to improve athletic and activity choices in Tacoma Public Schools, we will enable students more opportunities to re-engage with the school community, increasing their sense of belonging and ownership.

If we upgrade school HVAC systems, we can provide students with healthy learning environments that optimize comfort and indoor air quality.