As schools across the nation grappled with the challenges of reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic, Weakley County Schools used Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds to improve facilities, address learning loss, and enhance educational opportunities. As the final phase of the three-part ESSER grant concludes, the district looks back on the progress made thanks to the $9.3 million received over the past three years.
The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) Program was introduced as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in 2021. Federal funds were allocated to help mitigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic and assist in safely reopening schools. The funds were specifically directed to address learning loss, improve in-person teaching, support students' socio-emotional and mental health needs, repair and improve facilities, and expand educational technology.
Grants and Special Projects Director and ESSER Coordinator Angie Rushing emphasized the importance of strategically utilizing these funds to maximize their impact. “Each of our ten schools is unique, with needs that reflect their individual campuses. Administrators, faculty, and staff came together to determine the best ways to use ESSER funds to benefit students and teachers. We focused on making a lasting difference in teaching and learning by addressing learning loss, upgrading facilities for safer in-person learning, and enhancing student and staff well-being,” Rushing explained.
Addressing Learning Loss and Enhancing Teaching and Learning
One of the core focuses of ESSER funding was addressing the learning loss students experienced due to school closures and the shift to virtual learning. To combat these gaps, Weakley County Schools implemented after-school tutoring programs at many schools, such as Dresden Elementary and Dresden Middle, through their After School Scholars program. This initiative offered extended learning opportunities in subjects like math and reading, ensuring students had the extra support needed to get back on track academically. The program was paired with transportation services, removing barriers for students who rely on bus services.
Supporting Socio-Emotional and Mental Health Needs
The district also prioritized the mental and emotional well-being of students by creating dedicated spaces and expanding support staff. Dresden Elementary established a behavior classroom equipped with new furnishings and technology to offer a nurturing environment for students needing emotional or behavioral support. To further address the rising demand for socio-emotional support, which had been a concern even before the pandemic, the district hired three additional student support professionals (SSPs). These professionals are dedicated to managing referrals for services, developing prevention and intervention strategies, and connecting students with social and community-based health services.
Betsi Foster, Assistant Director of Schools, emphasized the value of these new initiatives. “By creating dedicated spaces for emotional and behavioral support and adding more student support professionals, we’re addressing the growing needs of our students. These resources provide a safe and structured environment where students can manage their emotions and focus better on their learning. We've already started to see positive changes in classroom behavior and overall student well-being,” Foster said.
Improving Facilities for In-Person Learning and Health Safety
To ensure safe, accessible, and healthy environments for in-person learning, schools made significant upgrades to their facilities. Gleason, Greenfield, Martin Primary, Martin Elementary, Martin Middle, and Sharon Schools implemented front and/or back awning construction to ensure safe distancing during student drop-offs and pick-ups, aligning with social distancing protocols that emerged during the pandemic. The renovations to front office spaces at many schools aimed to create more open, organized, and ADA-compliant spaces. These changes contributed to a safer learning environment for both students and staff.
Expanding Educational Technology
In addition to addressing physical space and mental health, ESSER funding allowed Weakley County Schools to expand educational technology resources. The district introduced Tutor.com and Edmentum.com, providing students with access to online tutoring and instructional support beyond the classroom. These platforms were especially valuable in bridging learning gaps exacerbated by the pandemic, offering students real-time assistance with their studies.
Creating Engaging and Flexible Learning Environments
Classroom furniture upgrades at nearly all schools helped create more flexible and interactive learning spaces. Desks, tables, and chairs were selected for their ability to be easily reconfigured, allowing teachers to customize classroom setups depending on the lesson or activity. These reimagined spaces encourage collaboration, active engagement, and more personalized learning experiences, while also supporting ADA compliance.
Enhancing Outdoor and Recreational Spaces for Health and Well-Being
Outdoor upgrades, particularly playground improvements, were another important component of the ESSER projects. Dresden Elementary, Gleason, Greenfield, Martin Primary, and Sharon Schools each saw a range of improvements to their playgrounds, including the installation of accessible equipment, enhanced play surfaces, and various specialized materials such as turf, wood chips, or rubber tire chips. These enhancements promote physical health and social interaction, ensuring that all students, regardless of physical abilities, have opportunities for play and recreation in a safe, inclusive environment.
Long-Term Sustainability and Continued Focus on Impact
With the winding down of ESSER funding, the district remains committed to sustaining the most impactful programs and improvements. Assistant Director of Schools Foster highlighted the importance of continuing these efforts in saying, “We’ve already seen improvements in test scores, a decline in discipline issues, and an overall boost in student well-being. We are grateful to Mrs. Rushing, our staff, and the entire school community for their leadership in making these initiatives successful. Moving forward, we are committed to sustaining the most impactful programs even after the grant funding ends.”
As ESSER comes to a close, Weakley County Schools is proud of the transformative impact the funding has had on its students, staff, and learning environments. From addressing learning loss to creating more resilient, supportive spaces, the district is better equipped to meet the evolving needs of its students now and into the future.
