Background Information: Commissioner of Education, Dr. Randy Watson created the Task Force on ESSER (II and III) and EANS (I and II) to offer guidance and oversight of school districts’ and private schools' plans for expenditure of federal funds focused on supporting student learning and student needs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Commissioner’s Task Force on Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) and Emergency Assistance for Non-Public Schools (EANS) will provide oversight for ESSER II, III, EANS I and II. The Task Force consists of 19 individuals, including superintendents, legislators, teachers, local school board members, business managers and private school personnel. The list of individuals who serve on the Commissioner's Task Force can be found here: Members of the Commissioner's Task Force. 

The Task Force will provide oversight and approval of school district plans for expenditure of the ESSER (ESSER II - $368 million) (ESSER III - $831 million) and EANS (EANS I - $26 million) (EANS II - $25 million) funds for pandemic related expenses. The amount provided to each district varies across the state.

The Task Force was created in February 2021 and it will remain in place until September 2024.

Meetings: See below for 2022 schedule of meetings for the Commissioner's Task Force.

Agendas and Meeting Materials: An agenda is published in advance of each meeting to notify the public of items the Task Force will discuss. An electronic version of the agenda and supportive materials are available on this page.

Meeting Location: All Task Force meetings will occur virtually. 

Web streaming: See the link below for the web streaming.