How to Makes EANS Funds Work for Your School
Was your school district awarded EANS funds but you are not sure how to use them? Schools In is here to help you understand the purpose of EANS funds and how your school can best utilize them.
The Basics - EANS Funds Explained
EANS stands for Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools. The U.S. Department of Education approved the federal relief program to assist non-public schools as they recover from education disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-public schools typically rely on private grants for funding, but Congress pushed for EANS to aid them in the aftermath of the COVID crisis.
Two federal EANS funding acts were approved totaling $5.5 billion - the CRRSA EANS and the ARP EANS.
- CRRSA (also known as EANS I funding) stands for Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, which was approved in December 2020 for $2.75 billion.
- ARP (also known as EANS II funding) stands for American Rescue Plan, which was approved in March 2021 for an additional $2.75 billion.
The award amount for the CRRSA and ARP varies by state, as shown in the linked charts. By now, your school should have already applied for EANS funds and you are likely now in the purchasing phase of the process.
Who Administers the EANS Funding?
The State Education Agency (SEA) from each state is responsible for administering the EANS. Typically, the SEA is that state's Department of Education. The state's governor is the grantee and is responsible for oversight.
What is the Deadline for Spending EANS Funds?
The deadline for spending CRRSA EANS funds is September 30, 2023; the deadline for spending ARP EANS funds is September 30, 2024.
It should be noted that the equipment and supplies purchased with EANS funding are technically owned by your SEA and can be removed after the deadline dates. Most schools, however, will be permitted to continue using the equipment and supplies past the deadline if they are still needed.
How Must EANS Funds Be Spent?
An important note when considering EANS fund spending:
- CRRSA EANS funds can be used towards reimbursement for approved expenses that the school incurred on or after March 13, 2020.
- ARP EANS funds do not allow for reimbursement.
The government does not provide hard-fast rules on what products or services are covered by EANS funding. In general, funds can be used to help schools bounce back from COVID-19 learning loss, as well as cover costs schools have or will incur because of the pandemic. Such areas include:
- Adaptations to existing furniture like protective barriers, as well as additional desks, tables, chairs and other furniture to allow for proper distancing.
- Additional handwashing stations, cleaning supplies and equipment and other hygiene-related products.
- More staff for increased cleaning, support and for catching up on learning loss from the pandemic.
- More equipment and supplies, like headphones, that are used by one student instead of shared classroom resources.
- Mobile options for classrooms furniture so desks and chairs can be distanced.
- Outdoor furniture so students can learn in an environment that has a lower spread of germs.
To help facilitate funding approval, provide documentation and data that shows how the equipment and services aid in your school's rebound from COVID-related learning loss as well as the protection of students and staff.
Contact Us and We Can Help
Our team is happy to assist you with your questions about EANS funding. Give us a call today at (877) 839-3330. You can also chat with a member of our team and they will gladly point you in the right direction.
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