The purpose of ESSER III is to help safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools and address the impacts of COVID-19 on students by addressing their academic, social, emotional and mental health needs. Russell County Schools ESSER III funding amount is $8,180,627.66. The funding expires on September 30, 2024. At least 20% of the funds must be used to measure and address the impact of lost instructional time on all students. Funds may be used for remodeling and renovation, subject to the prior approval by the VDOE. Construction costs must be reasonable and necessary to meet the overall purpose of the program “to prevent, prepare for, and respond to” the COVID-19 pandemic. This may include renovations that would permit cleaning effectively, creating a learning environment to better sustain social distancing, maintenance, repair, replacement and upgrade projects to improve the indoor air quality in school facilities (including mechanical and non-mechanical heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, filtering, purification and other air cleaning, fans, control systems, and window and door replacements). Funds may be used to purchase or lease buses, vehicles, and trailers if the purchase is reasonable and necessary “to prevent, prepare for, and respond to” the COVID-19 pandemic. Any costs associated with such purchases or leases after the end of the grant award period must be assumed by the local school division. Funds may also be used to purchase software licenses.