How administrators can keep funding in their district

In November 2022, McKinsey & Company conducted a survey that revealed more than 90 percent of district administrators have faced challenges deploying stimulus funds effectively and by the end of the 2021-22 school year, districts spent an estimated $45 billion of the total $175 billion of available funds, leaving approximately $130 billion dollars to allocate. As the deadline to spend the remaining ESSER II funds quickly approaches on September 30, 2023 and ARP ESSER funds on September 30, 2024, now is the time educators must decide what to use their remaining funds on to help their students, families, and staff.

Right now, school and district leaders can use their remaining ESSER funds to create innovative alternative education options like online, blended, or hybrid learning programs. And I don’t mean programs like emergency remote learning that the majority of students experienced during COVID, I mean true online learning, which supports students and empowers educators with evidence-based approaches, offers professional development for instructors, develops courses specifically designed for the online environment, and provides flexibility for students to communicate one-on-one with teachers.

True online, blended, and hybrid learning programs have evolved over the years due to new technology advancements. For example, at Florida Virtual School, engaging digital curriculum and tools allow teachers to have more one-on-one interaction with students. Plus, learning management systems provide teachers with real-time student performance data to understand who needs additional assistance. Digital courses also offer interactive modules that feature activities, games, videos, and more to enhance student comprehension and give them the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned.

With these new advancements, our education system is on the brink of a revolution that will empower parents and students to take control of their educational journey and allow teachers to work with each student in a more individualized way.

Let’s create innovative programs directly through the schools to give families the flexibility they need while keeping funding within the district. That way, they can stay with the best educational option for them to meet all their educational goals.

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