Florence City Schools (FCS) will utilize funds in a coordinated effort to implement prevention and mitigation strategies to continuously and safely operate our schools for in-person learning.  ARP ESSER funds will support intervention strategies to increase student instructional access, support improved instructional practice, facility upgrades, increased cleanliness, and increased access to health services and personal protective equipment.  Intervention strategies include provision of after-school, summer school, additional teachers, and software to increase instructional support for students with interrupted or missing instruction to close achievement and or learning gaps.  Academic coaches provided will improve instructional practice to support teachers with more effective strategy and instructional methods to instruct students who have experienced interrupted or lack of instructional time.  FCS will use ARP grant funds to improve air quality in learning environments through repairs and upgrades to roofing, HVAC, and other air movement equipment in school sites.  Additional custodians will provide a cleaner physical environment for student through increased cleaning schedules and utilization of cleaning supplies to disinfect and deep clean buildings.  The addition of nursing services will allow more access to nurses and health support for virus mitigation and improved student general health.  PPE and other health supplies will provide another layer of virus mitigation for students and staff to support in-person learning.  In addition to the afore mentioned strategies and to the greatest extent possible, FCS will adhere to guidance from the ALSDE and ADPH for virus mitigation and other health supports. 

Florence City Schools utilizes whole child data for determination of services provided through evidence-based interventions for students who experienced interrupted or loss of instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Student attendance, class-level grades, LEA benchmarks, ALSDE Assessments, and virtual participation are all evaluated for students to determine the level of needed support.  Underrepresented student groups are part of the evaluation pool and are evaluated and served equally as any other student population.  Student services are based on student needs.    

Florence City Schools will provide access to ARP ESSER program services regardless of gender, race, color, national origin, disability, or age.  Barriers to participation are addressed on a case by case scenario to effectively provide equity in access dependent on program service provided.  

Florence City Schools (FCS) will monitor allocations through monthly budget analysis conducted by the FCS Federal Programs Department and the FCS Business Office.  Monthly budget analysis examines all areas of budgeted funds to determine adherence to application guidance and proper expenditure of funds.  All required data elements are collected  through the FCS Assessment Office, Office of Data and Accountability, and the Federal Programs Department. Data elements will be reported according to the required timeline. Communication of budgetary information as well as data element reporting will take place at monthly board meetings, and will be posted to the Florence City Schools webpage for public viewing.    

Florence City Schools actively engages with the community in various methods.  FCS maintains a Federal Programs Advisory Committee composed of a cross section of stakeholders.  Stakeholders include parents, teachers, administrators, community organizations, and local government representation.  FCS also actively engages with families and the community through the utilization of a parent and family engagement specialist who serves as a bridge for the school district and the families and community and the school system.  FCS also engages with families and the community through multiple social media platforms and open community meetings.