CARSON CITY, Nev. - The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) has launched a new website (NevadaESSER.org) that allows the public to see how more than $1.5 billion in federal relief funds is being spent on education in the state.

"It is our desire at the Nevada Department of Education to provide fiscal transparency and accountability so Nevadans can see that our districts and charter schools are being responsible stewards of the public's investment in education," said Jhone Ebert, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. When we invest in education, we are investing in our future,"

NDE received the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER), through three rounds of federal funding, ESSER I, ESSER II, and ARP ESSER, from March 2020 through March 2021. These funds are intended to support response, recovery, and renewal from the COVID-19 pandemic. In each round, 90% of funds were distributed to school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority on a federal formula basis, while 10% of funds were reserved for Statewide activities. 

On the site, the public will be able to see how each district is investing its relief funds, the progress each district has made in spending those funds, and be able to compare individual districts' investments to those of districts across Nevada. The public can also view statewide ESSER projects on the site to see how the funds are used for additional education supports across the state.

"The goal of this new tool is to increase transparency and accountability into education spending in Nevada," said Governor Joe Lombardo. "Nevadans deserve to see how federal relief dollars are being spent within our state's education system."

"The $1.5 billion in federal funding that we received as part of the COVID Pandemic relief has been a huge boost for our education system.  The ESSER Accountability Site gives all community members the tools to dig into where and how our tax dollars are being spent," said State Board of Education President, Felicia Ortiz. "I encourage community members to go over the data and give our districts your feedback or submit questions on the website.  Our team at the Department of Education is here to ensure that there is complete transparency into how the money is spent over the next 3 years. Please remember that this is a one-time infusion of money that has a time limit for it to be spent.  We are hopeful that the investments made by school districts across the state will have lasting impacts and continue to improve outcomes for our students." 

Attachments:

• NevadaESSER.org

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About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada's 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.