State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Arntzen Celebrates Successful ESSER Closeout
HELENA – Superintendent Arntzen partnered with Montana’s 400 school districts to ensure that the third round of the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds were successfully obligated by the September 30, 2024 deadline. Between the springs of 2020 and 2021, the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) received over $605 million of COVID relief funds. The federal government awarded ESSER funds, in three parts, as a response to prevent, prepare, and respond to the impacts of COVID. Of the $605 million, there was $11.9 million distributed to the Emergency Assistance for Non-Public Schools (EANS). The remaining $593.5 million was appropriated by the legislature via HB 630 and HB 632 during the 2021 legislative session:
“From the moment Montana received the federal ESSER funds, I established a team to assist our schools in their efforts to manage this large influx taxpayer dollars,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “The flexible use of these federal dollars reflects Montana’s focus on local accountability. The ESSER team, led by Wendi Fawns, offered support six days a week to help our 400 school districts navigate the federal reporting requirements and allowable usages, complete amendments to their plans, and find solutions that reduced learning loss and increased student and teacher well-being.”
"OPI, through Wendi and her team, was instrumental in helping us navigate the complexities of ESSER funding,” said Glendive Public Schools Superintendent Stephen Schreibeis. “Their support ensured our documentation was thorough, allowing us to complete major projects like HVAC improvements and curriculum enhancements. These efforts have directly contributed to better learning environments and improved student outcomes, especially as we addressed challenges brought on by the pandemic. Their consistent availability and expertise helped us maximize the use of funds while preparing us for any potential audits."
"The OPI and their staff have been incredibly helpful to me as the superintendent, our new business manager, and our school district here in Big Sandy,” said Big Sandy Public Schools Superintendent Daniel Schrock. “I inherited the district's ESSER plans when I took over here in Big Sandy and needed a lot of support in administering the funds in accordance with federal guidelines. Their support has been integral in using ESSER funds to the best of our ability in support of our staff, students, and the quality of their education and learning environment. As challenging as it is to administer a new federal program, I doubt I would have been able to do so without their consistent support."
"The OPI ESSER team has been extraordinary throughout this process of being available when needed and providing all the resources and support necessary to be in compliance,” said Rocky Boy Schools Business Manager Scott Adam. “Our student gains have been in the area of enrollment and teacher retention. Our district has maintained enrollment and the ESSER funding has assisted in this process by retaining quality teachers to provide instruction for the students. The equipment and supplies purchased with the funding along with retention and sign-on bonuses have been a key driving force with our ESSER funding and the success of the district."
Throughout the state, districts used ESSER funds to:
- Support instructional staff through bonuses, stipends, and hiring of additional teachers to address learning loss
- Air and water quality projects such as HVAC systems and new lead-free water pipes
- Support for student well-being
- Teaching and learning materials such as technology and curriculum
- Creating outdoor learning spaces
The state set aside funds were spent in four categories:
- Education Leadership in Montana – OPI partnered with providers to conduct learning summits and leadership development for teachers and expanded educational opportunities for students
- Administration of the ESSER Grant
- State Loss of Instructional Time – OPI partnered with providers to implement student learning, tribal engagement, mental health, grant monitoring, and student data programs as well as teacher courses and learning platforms
- Database Modernization – OPI partnered with providers for project and process management services, teacher accreditation system, student data analytics platform (Power School), and a single sign on portal
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