The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a landmark piece of legislation, was enacted to provide crucial economic relief across the United States in response to the unprecedented challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Signed into law on March 27, 2020, the CARES Act allocated a substantial $2 trillion to various sectors, including significant funding for education. For Idaho, this federal support materialized into what is effectively known as the Idaho Cares Program, designed to bolster the state’s educational institutions during these trying times.
Idaho received a portion of these vital CARES Act funds to address the immediate and evolving needs of its education system. These funds were strategically distributed through different channels, primarily focusing on Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) and the Coronavirus Relief Fund, often referred to in Idaho as “Idaho Rebounds.” These initiatives under the Idaho CARES program aimed to mitigate the disruption to learning, support educators, and ensure the continuity of educational services for students throughout the state.
Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Funds in Idaho
The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund was a cornerstone of the Idaho CARES program for education. Idaho was allocated $47,854,695 in ESSER funds, received on May 18, 2020, from the U.S. Department of Education. A significant portion of this, $43,069,226, was designated to flow directly to Local Education Agencies (LEAs). These preliminary allocations were made available starting June 24, 2020, and LEAs were instructed to use fund number 252 and Revenue code 445900 for these ESSER flow-through dollars, ensuring proper accounting and utilization of these Idaho CARES program resources.
A portion of the ESSER funds was also strategically reserved at the state level to address specific needs and initiatives.
State Set-Aside Reserves for Enhanced Learning
Within the Idaho CARES program‘s ESSER allocation, $3,785,470 was set aside for Learning Management Systems (LMS) and blended learning initiatives. Released on July 28, 2020, these funds were specifically prioritized to enhance digital learning capabilities across Idaho schools. This allocation recognized the growing importance of online and blended learning models, especially in the context of pandemic-related disruptions. LEAs could utilize these funds from the Idaho CARES program to cover costs associated with:
- Current Learning Management Systems already in place.
- One-time set-up fees for implementing new Learning Management Systems.
- Professional development for educators focused on effectively utilizing LMS platforms and blended learning methodologies.
This strategic investment in LMS through the Idaho CARES program aimed to equip Idaho schools with the tools and expertise necessary to deliver high-quality education in a rapidly changing educational landscape.
Supporting Social and Emotional Learning
Recognizing the holistic needs of students, the Idaho CARES program also dedicated $1,000,000 of ESSER funds to Social Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives. These funds, released on September 3, 2020, were designed to support the development, expansion, or continuation of crucial social and emotional learning, behavioral health, and wellness services within Idaho schools. This facet of the Idaho CARES program acknowledged the increased stress and emotional challenges faced by students during the pandemic. Eligible uses for these SEL funds included:
- Anti-bullying programs and support activities.
- Suicide prevention initiatives and resources.
- Title IX training for staff and students.
- Implementation of SEL curriculum within schools.
- Professional development for educators in SEL strategies.
- Funding for counselor positions to enhance student support.
- Behavioral health services to address student mental well-being.
By prioritizing SEL, the Idaho CARES program demonstrated a commitment to supporting the whole child, recognizing that academic success is intertwined with emotional and social well-being.
Coronavirus Relief Fund (Idaho Rebounds) and the Idaho CARES Program
In addition to ESSER funds, Idaho also received a significant allocation of $1.25 billion through the Coronavirus Relief Fund, a critical component of the broader Idaho CARES program. This funding stream, often referred to as “Idaho Rebounds,” provided further financial assistance to the state, including direct support for educational initiatives.
Technology and Non-ESSER Flow-Through Funds
Within the Coronavirus Relief Fund allocation under the Idaho CARES program, $1,000,000 was designated for technology enhancements in selected LEAs. These funds were released on July 15, 2020, recognizing the urgent need to bridge the digital divide and equip schools with the necessary technology for remote and blended learning. Furthermore, an additional $1,000,000 in non-ESSER flow-through funds, also released to selected LEAs on July 23, 2020, provided further flexible support to address various educational needs arising from the pandemic as part of the Idaho CARES program.
Distance and Blended Learning Initiatives
A substantial $30,000,000 from the Coronavirus Relief Fund, as part of the Idaho CARES program, was dedicated to distance and blended learning initiatives, flowing through to all LEAs across Idaho. These funds were made available as applications were submitted and reviewed for each LEA, ensuring a tailored and responsive approach to addressing local needs in distance and blended learning implementation. This significant investment underscored the Idaho CARES program‘s commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality education regardless of learning environment.
Guidelines and Fund Usage for Idaho CARES Program Funds
The CARES Act, which underpins the Idaho CARES program, stipulated specific guidelines for the utilization of Coronavirus Relief Funds. To ensure compliance and maximize the impact of these resources, the Idaho CARES program adhered to these federal requirements. According to the CARES Act, funds could only be used to cover expenses that:
- Were necessary expenditures incurred directly due to the public health emergency caused by COVID-19.
- Were not already accounted for in the state or government’s most recently approved budget as of March 27, 2020.
- Were incurred during the period from March 1, 2020, to December 30, 2020.
The performance period for these Coronavirus Relief Funds within the Idaho CARES program was clearly defined as March 1, 2020 – December 30, 2020. LEAs were instructed to use fund numbers between 271-289 and Revenue code 445900 for proper financial tracking. It is also important to note that Coronavirus Relief Funds were not subject to equitable services requirements, providing a degree of flexibility in their application under the Idaho CARES program.
Conclusion: The Impact of the Idaho CARES Program
The Idaho CARES program, fueled by the federal CARES Act funding, played a vital role in supporting Idaho’s education system during the unprecedented challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. Through strategic allocation of ESSER and Coronavirus Relief Funds, the program provided crucial resources for technology enhancements, learning management systems, social-emotional learning, and distance/blended learning initiatives. By adhering to the CARES Act guidelines and prioritizing the needs of LEAs and students, the Idaho CARES program helped ensure the continuity of education and laid a foundation for a more resilient and adaptable education system in Idaho.
