Covid-relief expenditures showcased in new online dashboard

CONCORD, NH – There has been significant attention placed on federal COVID relief funds throughout the past two years, specifically money that has been allocated toward education. The New Hampshire Department of Education has launched a new dashboard webpage, iGrant, to serve as a fully transparent, interactive online site that details how COVID relief funds are being spent in New Hampshire. 

Three stimulus packages have included funds for schools nationwide, and the federal government has offered $190 billion in aid to educational facilities since the pandemic began. New Hampshire received, from both the ESSER funds tracked through this website as well as other specific relief funds, about $650 million in federal education funds from the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary Relief Fund – an unprecedented amount of money being set aside to assist with missed learning opportunities as a result of COVID. 

“Covid relief funds have been instrumental in helping New Hampshire and other states with their educational needs as they look ahead. This new webpage is a tremendous resource for the public to be able to explore how schools are allocating these funds to jumpstart and strengthen recovery efforts,” said Jessica Lescarbeau, NHED’s administrator of COVID-19 education programs. 

The new dashboard, dubbed iGrant, is available on NHED’s iPlatform website and includes data such as allocations, spending details, paid reimbursements by school districts and top activities where dollars are being spent by schools. Each district is highlighted with real-time ESSER allocations, budgets, approvals and reimbursements. Funding is categorized by geographic region and includes spending on education programs, building improvements, instructional efforts, operations and more. 

ESSER funds are being used statewide to improve indoor air quality through new HVAC units, install new windows, purchase sanitizing supplies, offer small group tutoring, provide professional development opportunities, expand summer programming and numerous other initiatives.

“Our Department is also using these funds to narrow the performance gap and break down barriers that are preventing students from receiving a high-quality education” said Frank Edelblut, education commissioner. “Thanks to these funds, we have been able to launch incredible programs that offer tutoring to New Hampshire students, ensure that every child is able to attend summer camp, bring professional development training to educators and establish community learning pods, among other efforts. We will continue to support initiatives that will accelerate recovery efforts and help youth aim higher, while also sharing those projects through our newly transparent and interactive dashboard.”

The dashboard is available on our iPlatform webpage.