The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to our education system. It has also created newfound opportunities for change.

School districts have received an influx of COVID relief funding from both the state and federal government to address and adapt to the pandemic. As we look toward the upcoming 2021 – 2022 school year and a return to in-person learning, school districts and local communities have a unique opportunity to use these funds to reimagine our schools.

The Expanded Learning Opportunity Plan, which districts must submit to the California Department of Education by June 1st, is an important chance to plan for a restorative return to schools.

Districts must engage parents and staff to develop these plans. Learn more about the Expanded Learning Opportunity Grant and Plan in our new infographic here (Spanish version), and make your voices heard now!

Not sure what to ask for?

With our partners, the California Partnership for the Future of Learning has created a guide on best practices and specific proposals to address five pillars of a restorative restart, including this presentation deck with specific resources for budgeting and implementation.

The Expanded Learning Opportunity funds are not the only funds that can be used to support a restorative return to schools.

We’ve created three new resources to explain what the different COVID relief funds are, what they can be used for (Spanish version), and when they must be used by  (Spanish version).

Want to see how much money your district has in COVID relief funding?

Take a look at our district-specific infographics (Spanish) or check out our funding handout (Spanish). And remember, this money is in addition to the district’s ongoing budget. 

If we invest these funds now in smart, strategic ways that focus on culture and systems change, we can create racially just community schools where students feel supported to succeed far beyond this pandemic.

Para español, favor de hacer clic aquí.