State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Arntzen Announces Extension for School Districts to Expend Federal Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Funds
HELENA – Superintendent Arntzen is announcing that the federal Department of Education (DOE) is providing an opportunity for school districts to extend the “liquidation” period for federal COVID Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief (ESSER) II funds. The original liquidation period ends on January 28, 2024, while the extended opportunity ends on March 31, 2025. These funds must still be obligated, i.e. have signed contracts, by September 30, 2023. The extension of the liquidation period allows school districts to continue to have services provided for activities that were obligated by September 30. The extension of the liquidation period does not provide flexibility to procure new products or services beyond the closing date but allows for extended time to complete obligated activities.
“The federal COVID dollars have many flexible uses that reflect the local accountability nature of our Montana education system,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “My office has made every effort to help our schools utilize these funds in innovative ways that best serve Montana teachers, families, and students. I encourage all districts to reach out for any assistance during this closeout period.”
Liquidation requests are submitted by the Office of Public Instruction (OPI), on behalf of the district, to DOE for approval. Districts are required to explain why funds require liquidation extensions and what measures have been taken to liquidate funds in a timely fashion. Examples of documentation on file might include specific Purchase Orders, communications from vendors regarding delays, change orders, etc.
The OPI ESSER team will hold office hours via Zoom on Monday, September 25, 2023, at 10:00 AM to gather input from districts.
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