In communities across the country, families are calling for fundamental changes to how our children are educated and an equity-infused recovery from the pandemic.

We don’t want to return to “normal.”

We already know that many school district leaders and school boards are struggling to find effective solutions to address unfinished learning in the ways our children need as we emerge from the pandemic. Many of these districts struggled to provide our children with access to high quality education even before COVID-19 hit. It’s up to us to make sure they turn this unprecedented challenge into a transformational opportunity and that the funding they’ve received actually does what it’s intended to: give our children equitable access to educational opportunity so they can thrive. Without powerful parent advocacy, we’re guaranteed to simply see more of the same.

Accountability is even more urgent now that K-12 schools are receiving $122 billion in relief under the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief.

That is why the National Parents Union, a network of parent organizations and grassroots activists advocating for a higher quality education and quality of life for children across the U.S., launched the watchdog campaign, Everyday Parents Impacting Change (EPIC).

In partnership with families and advocates in communities nationwide, EPIC will:

1. Demand transparency from federal, state and local elected officials
2. Ensure that school boards/districts are authentically engaging families in the decision-making process at every turn
3. Verify that funding is spent on student-centered investments that are rooted in access and equity for children most in need

We are the moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, god-parents, step-parents and friends fighting daily to give our children a better education.

About the American Rescue Plan (ARP)

In March 2021, the U.S. Department of Education announced $122 billion in relief for K-12 schools nationwide under the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) Fund.

Districts will ultimately decide how the ARP funding is spent (not the federal government). While funding is intended to help schools reopen during the pandemic, very limited guidance is available on what needs to be included in district plans, and how these plans will be evaluated.

• The amount of funding each state and school district will receive is based on their Title I status.
• Ninety percent (90%) of ARP funds must flow directly from states to school districts,
• Twenty percent (20%) of district funds are to be spent to help kids recover academically from the pandemic.

As part of this planning process, school districts must engage a variety of stakeholders including parents and show they are able to:

• Meet students’ academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs.
• Prioritize equity and engagement.
• Address learning loss – or unfinished learning – and the opportunity gaps that existed before, and were exacerbated by, COVID-19.
• Maintain safe schools.

For more information about ARP ESSER funding, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website here.