The project period for Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021, Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund ends Sept. 30, 2023, the New Jersey Department of Education noted in an advisory.
Local educational agencies are urged to expend these funds with expediency as the NJDOE does not have legal authority to extend the project period as established by the CRRSA statute. All funds must be obligated no later than Sept. 30, 2023, and liquidated with the submission of the Final Expenditure Report in the Electronic Web Enabled Grants system. FERs are due no later than Oct. 20, 2023. Read the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations and Non-Title IA broadcast for additional information regarding the CRRSA-ESSER final expenditure reports.
As of Aug. 17, 2023, payments to LEAs totaling approximately $1.03 billion in CRRSA-ESSERF have been made. While these figures confirm that many LEAs have submitted regular reimbursement requests and received funds, NJDOE records show that a significant number of LEAs have not submitted regular reimbursement requests and, as a result, a substantial amount of funds remain in this grant program. It is the intention and goal of the NJDOE that 100% of CRSSA-ESSERF funds allocated to districts are fully expended.
LEAs are reminded that all expenditures should be in alignment with the allowable uses for CRRSA-ESSER. Bonuses, merit pay, or similar expenditures paid to educators with CRRSA-ESSER funds may be considered an allowable use if it is related to disruptions or closures related to COVID-19.
If you have questions, or require additional information, please contact the Office of Grants Management at 609-376-9089 or via email.