What is ESSER?

The Elementary and Secondary School Education Relief Fund (ESSER) is part of a series of funding packages approved by Congress to support school and student communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of
March 2021, a total of $189.5 billion has been approved for state educational agencies under ESSER in three stages: ESSER I ($13.1 billion), ESSER II ($54.3 billion) and ESSER III ($122 billion).

How can ESSER funds be used?

The usage of ESSER funds is very broad in order to make sure school districts have the flexibility to make choices that best serve their communities. This includes things like addressing learning loss and making upgrades to
facilities but also ensuring you have what you need to keep your facility clean and healthy…now and throughout the school year.
This could include:

• Training staff on sanitation and how to minimize the spread of infectious diseases
• Purchasing equipment and supplies to sanitize and clean facilities, classrooms and offices
• Hiring additional janitorial staff if needed

How can I access ESSER funds?

• DON’T WAIT—funds are in the process of being dispersed to states and districts now
• TALK to key decision makers in your school about specific needs for your cleaning and sanitation program
• WRITE up a proposal outlining your needs with justification to support your request
• ASK your Distributor or Clorox sales rep for help

When must ESSER funds be spent?

• ESSER I Available for obligation through September 2022 (mostly liquidated)
• ESSER II Available for obligation through September 2023 (currently being appropriated)
• ESSER III Available for obligation through September 2024 (currently being appropriated)

“We were able to purchase enough Clorox® Total 360® Electrostatic Devices for each school in Flagler County, thanks to federal funding received in response to the pandemic. These products help to keep our schools clean, which in turn, helps us to keep students and staff healthy and safe. We’re looking forward to a great start to the new school year.”
— Kenny Seybold, Director of Custodial Services, How can ESSER funds be used? Flagler County Schools