HPISD is one of fewer than 50 school districts or charter schools in Texas that will not receive any of the federal ESSER III (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds approved by state leaders in late April to be distributed to schools. The criteria to receive the nearly $11.2 billion in funding over a three-year period is that school districts must receive federal Title I funding, which provides financial assistance to school districts that serve students from low income families. HPISD is not eligible to receive federal Title I funds and will therefore not receive ESSER III funds based on the state’s distribution plan for these funds.
A total of nearly $18 billion in federal funds was approved by Congress to assist Texas schools in helping students catch up with learning loss during the last school year. Texas officials will submit a plan by June 7 detailing how funds will be used. Once approved by the U.S. Department of Education, Texas will be able to access the full $18 billion amount.