ESSER Funding: What K-12 Leaders Need to Know Before It Expires

What Is ESSER Funding?

The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund is a federal program that allocated over $190 billion to K-12 schools across three rounds. ESSER III, the largest round at $122 billion, was specifically designed to help schools recover from the pandemic and invest in long-term infrastructure improvements -- including safety technology.

Is Video Security an Eligible Use?

Yes. The U.S. Department of Education has explicitly listed 'improving school safety and health' as an allowable use of ESSER funds. This includes video surveillance systems, AI-powered safety alerts, access control, and related infrastructure upgrades.

• AI-powered camera systems for threat detection
• Cloud-based video management and storage
• Network infrastructure to support IP cameras
• Installation and first-year licensing costs

How to Access Your Remaining Funds

1. Check your district's ESSER III allocation and remaining balance on your state's education department portal
2. Confirm that safety technology is listed in your district's approved spending plan
3. If not, submit an amendment to your spending plan -- most states allow this with 30-60 day turnaround
4. Work with your vendor to structure the purchase as an obligation before the deadline
5. Document everything: board approval, vendor quotes, and purchase orders

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting until Q3 2025 to start the amendment process
• Assuming your current spending plan already covers security tech
• Not getting board approval documented before obligating funds
• Choosing a vendor without a pilot period to validate fit

What Happens After ESSER Expires?

Districts should plan for ongoing costs beyond ESSER. Cloud-based systems with annual subscription models make this easier to budget through general funds, E-Rate, or state grants. The key is choosing a solution with predictable, transparent pricing.