On October 26, 2020, NYSED disseminated a memo containing instructions for applying to NYSED for GEER and ESSER funds. Eligible LEAs were asked to submit a single CARES Act Combined Funding Application (revised) for both ESSER and, if applicable, GEER, funding using SED’s Monitoring and Vendor Reporting System. Completed applications were due by November 23, 2020.
According to section 18002(d) and 18003(f) any funds that are not awarded within (1) year of receipt of those funds will need to return to the United States Department of Education (USDE). New York State received its GEER and ESSER funds on May 4, 2020. Therefore, all applications must be received and approved prior to this date. An LEA’s allocation is at risk of being returned to USDE if an approved application is not on file.
To ensure your LEA has access to this funding source it is critical to submit your LEAs CARES Act Combined Funding Application (revised) no later than March 26, 2021. This will ensure it is received with ample time for review, revision if needed, and approval of the application prior to the May reallocation date.
Please note that this deadline is only for districts that haven’t submitted a revised application. If your district has submitted a revised application and it is listed as “Under Review” on the Grants Finance’s website, then understand that SED is currently reviewing your application and will either approve it shortly or reach out to you with further questions.
